Sports
Aisha Buhari Cup: Oparanozie In Nigeria’s 23-Women Provisional List
Former Super Falcons’ Captain, Desire Oparanozie is among the 23 players named by Head Coach, Randy Waldrum in his provisional list for the maiden edition of the Aisha Buhari Invitational Women’s Tournament, billed for Lagos from September 15 to 21.
Also in the team are first choice goalkeeper, Chiamaka Nnadozie, defenders, Onome Ebi and Osinachi Ohale, midfielder, Ngozi Okobi-Okeoghene and forwards, Asisat Oshoala, Francisca Ordega and Rasheedat Ajibade.
There are also Goalkeepers Tochukwu Oluehi and Yewande Balogun, defenders Glory Ogbonna, Faith Ikidi, Michelle Alozie, Akudo Ogbonna, Oluwatosin Demehin and midfielders, Rita Chikwelu, Tony Payne, Regina Otu, Goodness Onyebuchi and Joy Bokiri.
Joining Oshoala, AJibade, Ordega and Oparanozie in attack are Gift Monday, Uchenna Kanu, and Esther Okoronkwo.
Meanwhile, South Africa has also named 25 players for their squad billed to arrive in Lagos next week.
Banyana Banyana’s Head Coach, Desiree Ellis said the Aisha Buhari Cup would help her solidify South Africa’s preparation for the upcoming Africa Women’s Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The six-nation invitational women’s showpiece also features Cameroun, Ghana, Morocco, Mali and hosts Nigeria.
In Ellis’ 25-player squad are 19 home-based professionals and six overseas-based stars, including Thembi Kgatlana of Atletico Madrid and Captain Janine Van Wyk of Glasgow City.
The 19 invited local players were expected to arrive at the SAFA Technical Centre (Fun Valley) yesterday for a one-week training camp before leaving for Nigeria.
The players in the squad are Goalkeepers Kaylin Swart (JVW FC) and Regirl Ngobeni (University of Western Cape), as well as defenders Lebohang Ramalepe (Dinamo Minsk); Janine Van Wyk (Glasgow City); Tiisetso Makhubele (Tshwane University of Technology); Bambanani Mbane (Mamelodi Sundowns FC); Bongeka Gamede (University of Western Cape); Koketso Tlailane (Tshwane University of Technology FC).
The midfielders are Ntombifikile Ndlovu (Sunflower FC); Ongeziwe Ndlangisa (Sunflower FC); Oratile Mokwena (Mamelodi Sundowns FC); Mamello Makhabane (JVW FC); Nomvula Kgoale (Tshwane University of Technology); Thembi Kgatlana (Atletico Madrid); Refiloe Jane (AC Milan); Linda Motlhalo (Djurgardens FC); Robyn Moodaly (JVW FC); Noxolo Cesane (University of Western Cape); and Gabriela Salgado (JVW FC).
The attackers in the team are Lelona Daweti (Mamelodi Sundowns FC); Sibulele Holweni (University of Western Cape; Melinda Kgadiete (Mamelodi Sundowns FC); Hildah Magaia (Moron BK); Faya Mandisa (Lindelani Ladies); and Nthabiseng Majiya (Richmond Ladies).
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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