Sports
AFCON: Nigeria, Egypt Cracker Will Determine S’Eagles Capacity – Peterside
A well-known football buff in the state, Warisenibo John Mark Dodd Peterside, believes that the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s first game against Pharaohs of Egypt would be used as a yard stick to determine the true cohesion, standing and readiness of the Nigeria team in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations Championship which commenced yesterday in Cameroon.
Peterside, who stated this while speaking in an interview via telephone recently, noted that he was not in doubt that the encounter between the two notable countries would be a cracker to watch, having known their pedigree in African football setting over the years.
“Honestly, the Eagles team will have their hands full in containing the seven-time African champions, the Pharaohs of Egypt who are known to be pace setters.
He nevertheless expressed confidence in the ability of Coach Austine Eguavoen to lead the Eagles team well except that short of time for proper blending of the players might pose to be his greatest challenge, hence will not be in a haste to call for his head if he fails to record an appreciable result from the championship in Cameroon.
“Interestingly, the 23 man Eagles squad he has assembled for the prosecution of the biennial Africa Cup of Nations Championship are okay but it is important that he must ensure that discipline was instilled into the team as well as coming out with an appreciable football tactics that will improve the team’s pattern of play even if they fail to win their game as a result of one ill-luck on the other.
“Infact, I stand to be corrected that the good noting of the Eagles team in Cameroon despite its short period of camping will depend on the kind of football tactics coach Eguaveon will adopt.
Asked on which of the teams in Group D could pose a serious threat to Eagles’ ambition of qualifying for the next stage of the championship, the outspoken Peterside who has widely travelled along with the game of football held the view that none of the four teams in Group D should be taken for granted as they are all potential winners, having come out qualified from the various groups in Africa.
“Though, Guinea Bissua appears to be an underdog side on paper but I can assure you from recent experience that there is no team in Africa that could be described as minnows and therefore it will be a big mistake for Supper Eagles team to underrate any of her opponents who are eager to make history for themselves in the championship.
It would be pertinent to note that Nigeria Super Eagles will be opening her account in the Nations Cup contest against Pharaohs of Egypt tomorrow.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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