Sports
Eguavoen Happy With Ghana Draw …Nigeria Now Under Pressure – Ghana Coach
Nigeria head coach Augustine Eguavoen was happy with the draw against the Black Stars of Ghana on Friday night.
The two teams played to a 0-0 draw in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifier which took place at the Baba Yara Stadium in Kumasi, Ghana.
The Super Eagles will now host the Ghanaians in the return-leg game at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, Nigeria tomorrow and the winner on aggregate will qualify for the finals in Qatar.
Eguavoen, who is a former Nigeria captain, admitted that the Black Stars were the better side, but he also pointed out that the Super Eagles created the better chances.
“Ghana team is not a team you can brush aside with one arm because they are a very good team. I have followed Ghana nearly all my entire career,” Eguavoen said.
“The performance they put on today (Friday) was expected, [but] I would like to congratulate my boys, they were able to soak up the pressure and took control of the game in the second-half
“Again you know Ghana yes, they were on top of their game, but they did not have any clear cut chances. But we had two clear cut chances. We should have won, but a draw I think we are okay.”
The last time Nigeria hosted Ghana in the World Cup qualifiers was in July 2001 and the Super Eagles emerged 3-0 winners in Port Harcourt.
The two teams had drawn 0-0 in the reverse fixture in Accra and the Super Eagles went on to qualify for the 2002 edition in South Korea, and Japan.
Meanwhile, Ghana head coach Otto Addo believes Nigeria will be under immense pressure in the second leg of their World Cup playoff qualifier after the goalless draw on Friday.
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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