Sports
Samuel Scores Hat-Trick As Flamingos Thrash Guinea 6-1
Yemisi Samuel scored a hat-trick as the Flamingos thrashed their Guinean counterparts 6-1 at the weekend in a first round first leg game of the 2020 FIFA Under-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.
Nigeria took charge of the game from start to finish in Conakry as Chinyere Kalu opened scoring three minutes into the game after benefiting from a defencive error.
Samuel fired in a stunner from 35 yards to double the lead for the Nigerian national under-17 women team against the hosts eight minutes later.
Flamingos almost got the third in the 34th minute which could have been Samuel’s second goal of the match but her effort went off target.
The visitors underlined their dominance as Rofiat Imuran profited from a goalmouth scramble to increase the tally for her side four minutes later.
After 65 minutes of play, Imuran bagged her brace after being superbly teed up by Olashola Shobowale to extend Nigeria’s lead.
The hosts however, pulled one back, no thanks to a defencive mix-up in the Flamingos area in the 81st minute.
Samuel went on to hit a double four minutes later as Flamingos recovered to create a five-goal lead.
The striker completed her hat-trick in extra time as the game ended 6-1.
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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