Sports
Eguavoen Set To Face ex-Brighton Coach in Nigeria-Ghana Showdown
Super Eagles Coach Austin Eguavoen is set to face ex-Brighton Coach, Chris Hughton on the touchline when Nigeria take on Ghana in their two-legged 2022 World Cup playoff.
The three-time African champions will take on their arch-rivals in March for a place in Qatar 2022 World Cup. The Black Stars will host the first leg on March 23 before Nigeria welcome the four-time African kings six days later.
Tidesports source reports that Ghana are currently without a coach after they sacked Milovan Rajevac following a disappointing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, which saw them finish bottom of a group that had Morocco, Gabon and Comoros.
However, according to ace Ghanaian journalist Gary Al-Smith, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) are close to appointing Hughton as Rajevac’s successor.
The ex-Tottenham star, who has a Ghanaian father, is expected to be in the dugout when the Black Stars take on their West African rivals.
It means Eguavoen has his work out if he is to lead Nigeria to a seventh World Cup appearance as Hughton has enough experience as a manager.
The 63-year-old was recently sacked as Nottingham Forest’s boss, but he has also been in charge of Newcastle, Norwich, Brighton and Tottenham.
Eguavoen is already under pressure after his tactical prowess was criticised following Nigeria’s exit at the 2021 AFCON.
The Super Eagles will host Ghana at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja after the first leg in Accra.
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.