Sports
U-20 World Cup Qualifier: Falconets Arrive Benin For Senegal Encounter
The Nigerian Falconets have arrived in Benin City, Edo State capital for their Saturday FIFA Women U-20 World Cup qualifier second leg encounter against the Senegalese team.
Tidesports source reports that the Christopher Danjuma-led team was received at the Benin Airport by the Permanent Secretary of Edo Sports Commission, Sabina Chikere on Wednesday.
According to Danjuma, Benin is home to them and they were sure of completing the job there tomorrow.
“It is a very exciting thing to be in Benin for our last qualifier. In 2018, we picked our ticket to the World Cup in the same City and same Stadium. So, it is a very exciting thing to be back here again and we know the support we had then from the people and government, he said
“It is a wonderful State, excellent arena, so I think that sums everything all; coming to Benin is an already established win. On her part, Chikere said that the State will always welcome and be ready to host any of Nigeria’s national teams.
“What happened last week when Flamingos were here will happen again. Benin is a good place for our national teams and anytime they come here, they win, so we will be expecting the same victory for them.
“We are not just particular about football, for us in Edo, the doors are opened for everyone who has sporting events to come around and host their events in our world-class facilities.
“For this match, the gates will be opened for fans, as usual, so we enjoin everyone to come all out and spur their girls to victory,” she 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.