Sports
Lagos’ll Continue To Host Eagles – LSSC
Basking in the euphoria of a convincing win by the Super Eagles over Crocodiles of Lesotho on the newly constructed lush-green grass pitch of the Teslim Balogun Stadium, the Lagos State Government has promised more international matches.
The Chairman of Lagos State Sports Council (LSSC), Sola Aiyepeku, in an interview with newsmen in Lagos on Wednesday said that all hands were on deck for the state to host more of Super Eagles matches.
Tidesports source gathered that the senior national team, Eagles, had their first match on Tuesday, after 20 years of exile in Lagos with impressive result by trouncing the Crocodiles of Lesotho 3-0.
The Genort Rohr-tutored team had their victory, courtesy of the red-hot Napoli Striker, Victor Osimhen in 23rd minutes while Oghenekaro Etebo fired home the second goal in the 50th minute.
The gangling Genk FC of Belgium striker, Paul Onuachu added the third goal in the 83rd minute with a coolly strike to complete the rout.
The excited LSSC boss, Aiyepeku, however, said the impressive result meant that the host state had got it right by putting up a structure befitting the win, adding that football is back in Lagos.
“I am overwhelmed with joy with this result from the Super Eagles after about 20 years when they last played in front of Lagos fans; it is a positive thing that we are getting it right.
“It is a celebration for all Nigerians for a back-to-back win. I am happy with the way the Super Eagles won convincingly and their efforts at getting the goals.
“The main thing is that, football is back in Lagos and the good thing is that the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and Lagos State government are on the same page.
“We have discussed with our sports loving Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and he has given his blessings to make sure that Lagos keeps hosting the Eagles,’’ he told Tidesports source.
Aiyepeku said that Lagos had all the facilities to make the Super Eagles feel at home, adding that Teslim Balogun Stadium pitch is the best in the country for now.
“We have set an example when the state agencies facilitated the travelling of the Super Eagles to the Republic of Benin by boat, this means that the facilities are there”, he stated.
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.