Sports
AFCON: Don’t Underrate South Africa, Fans Caution Super Eagles
Soccer fans in Kaduna, yesterday tasked Super Eagles to do everything possible to win their next match with South Africa and qualify for semi finals.
The soccer fans, who spoke with newsmen said the Super Eagles should approach the match with determination and play as a team.
Isaiah Benjamin, chairman, Sports Writers’ Association of Nigeria, Kaduna chapter said although expectations were high however, with a good play, the Eagles would be victorious.
“South Africa is certainly not a team that can be taken for granted. The Super Eagles must put in more efforts to scale through to semi finals.
“Indeed, the games are getting tougher, but with determination and team play, I see them emerging victorious,” Benjamin said.
A Sports Analyst, Vincent Akinbami expressed optimism that with team work, there would be a good outcome.
“What was lacking in the team before was team work and team spirit, but so far, I will say they have been adjusting.
“With the Egyptian fans behind us and the new spirit in the team, I see them scaling through.
“Iwobi is beginning to know the responsibility bestowed upon him; the attackers too are building confidence. I see them beating South Africa and getting better with every match till the cup is won,” Akinbami said.
Another Sports Analyst, Jide Bodunde said the Super Eagles needed extra efforts to win the match.
“On paper, you expect the Super Eagles to win, but football has gone beyond that.
“Super Eagles had not defeated South Africa in the last five meetings. South Africa have had one win and finished the remaining four in draws.
“I believe the Super Eagles will beat South Africa but it won’t come easy. A country that eliminated the host country (Egypt) and pre-tournament’s favourite in the presence of over 60,000 fans should be taken seriously.
“They have players like Tacey Taw who loves scoring against Nigeria and Lorch who scored the goal against Egypt as their key men. They should therefore be closely watched,” he said.
Bodunde expressed happiness with Odion Ighalo for rediscovering his scoring form which, he said was good for the Super Eagles.
According to him, Alex Iwobi is also one key player for the Super Eagles.
“My biggest worry is our defence line. They were shaky against Cameroon, thereby exposing the goalkeeper, a situation that made him to concede two easy goals.
“My prediction is 2-1 in favour of the Super Eagles,” the sport analyst said.
A football fan, Abdulmalik Yusuf said with determination, Super Eagles would win the match.
“We are winning the match in spite of having a confused coach, who up till now, does not know his first 11.
“The players should be determined and the outcome will be good,” he said.
Yusuf said Nigerians were ready to support the team with prayers but appealed to the federal government to give them necessary encouragements to boost their morale.
The Bayelsa State government, yesterday, announced that the marathon will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
The inaugural race is owned by the Bayelsa State Government and will be organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, a sports management company.
Under the theme “The Reveal,” the race represents a bold unveiling of Bayelsa’s immense human and cultural potential to the international community, inviting the world to witness the resilience, grit, and talent rooted in the heart of the Niger Delta.
According to the organisers, the race will be flagged off at 9:30 a.m., at the Opolo Roundabout, guiding participants through a carefully designed 10-kilometre route that highlights the scenic beauty and vibrant atmosphere of Yenagoa.
The course will culminate at Peace Park Square, where athletes will cross the finish line into a grand celebration of endurance, unity, and community spirit.
To elevate the experience for runners and spectators alike, the finish venue will host a high-energy post-race concert featuring performances from top A-list artistes, blending sport and entertainment in a festival-style atmosphere.
The organisers directed all registered participants to collect their race bibs and kits at the designated Peace Park Square between March 30 and April 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily.
The race, according to them, is currently on track for World Athletics accreditation, underscoring the commitment of both the Bayelsa State Government and Nilayo Sports Management Limited to delivering an event that meets the highest global standards.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, on Friday continued the Commission’s nationwide appreciation tour with a visit to Abeokuta, where outstanding junior athlete, Majekodunmi Afusat Bisola, was presented with a cheque of N3 million.
The presentation forms part of the NSC’s initiative to recognise and reward exceptional junior athletes who distinguished themselves in 2025 and contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul.
Majekodunmi delivered an impressive run of performances on the track. At the last edition of the National Sports Festival, she stormed to gold in the 400m and the 4x400m relay. She replicated the double triumph at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Junior Championship, in Abeokuta, before emerging as one of the standout stars at the African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola.
Speaking during the presentation, Olopade explained that the Commission deemed it necessary to extend financial appreciation to grassroots athletes after elite performers had earlier received grants running into thousands of dollars.
“A few weeks ago, after paying grants to our elite athletes, we agreed tthere was a need to also appreciate these young, budding talents who made Nigeria proud last year,” he said.
He disclosed that of the 376 medals recorded by Nigerian athletes in 2025, more than 200 were won by grassroots talents, underscoring the importance of sustained investment in youth development.
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