Sports
Clark Warns Super Eagles Against Sudan
Former Newcastle United and Fulham midfielder, Lee Clark has warned the Super Eagles of Nigeria not to underestimate Sudan who they face later in the month at the African Cup of Nations hosted by Cameroon.
The three-time African Champions will face the Falcons of Jediane in their second Group D fixture at the RoumdéAdjia Stadium, Garoua on January 15. Seven-time champions, Egypt and Guinea-Bissau make up the group.
Tidesports source reports that Sudan are returning to Africa’s prestigious football tournament for the first time since 2012 after a string of impressive games at the AFCON qualifiers, including a shock 2-0 win over visiting South Africa which ensured they qualified for the finals at the expense of Bafana Bafana.
“I was at the qualification game against South Africa when everyone had Sudan as the underdog, and there they played terrifically well that night, and fully deserved the win to qualify,” Clark, who spent three months coaching one of Sudan’s leading clubs, Al Merrikh said in an interview with BBC Sports.
“I think they enjoy the underdog tag, I think they enjoy the experience. They have some very, very talented players, underestimate them at your peril.”
He added: “I think they’ll be excited by coming up against these countries, and they’ll not worry about the challenge.
“They’ll see it as a great opportunity for them as a country to put themselves on the map and to try and upset the big guys.”
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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