Sports
Qatar 2022 W/Cup: S’Eagles Fall Short
The Super Eagles last night at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja added to the frustration and disappointment of Nigerians, especially football fans as they came short in their quest to secure one of the tickets to the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup scheduled to hold later this year. The Eagles, under the tutelage of Augustine Eguavoen lost out to perennial rivals, Black stars of Ghana 1-1 aggregate on away goal rule. The first leg had ended scoreless four days before in Kumasi, Ghana.
It was a huge blow to the expectations of many Nigerians who were already looking forward to seeing the nation fly her flag in Qatar among other top footballing nations in the Asian country. Indeed, the Super Eagles have themselves to blame for their inability to scale the Ghanaian hurdle. The match in Abuja was delicately poised after a barren draw in the first encounter and coach Eguavoen and his lieutenants knew what was at stake and exactly what to do to berth in Qatar.
However, a vapid and lethargic team performance played into the hands of the Black Stars as they out foxed a disjointed and lackadaisical Eagles team. Interestingly, the Nigerian team got all they asked and wished for the game as Nigerians turned out in their numbers to support them. The Federal Government even had to declare a half day holiday and tickets were purchased and distributed to people to ensure that the stadium had the desired atmosphere. But the team failed to keep its own side of the bargain.
The Super Eagles had come off the starting blocks in a blast, giving a false sense of hope that they were in mood for business only to fizzle out even before the game took shape. Barely 11 minutes into the game, another keeper howler gifted the Black Stars the lead and precious away goal as Francis Uzoho allowed Thomas Partey’s shot from the edge of the box to beat him. Though the lead lasted for 10 minutes before Skipper William Troost Ekong pulled the Eagles level from the spot via the VAR penalty decision, the Super Eagles only flattered to deceive from then on.
It was indeed a display that lacked cohesion, urgency, leadership, strategy, tact and technique from the players and bench of Nigeria. Even a raft of substitutions failed to change the tide and eventual outcome with the Ghanaians digging in to secure what they have. In their defensive setup, the Black Stars were a far better sight to behold when they attacked and showed that they were a unit that wanted the game more.
In the end, the Super Eagles and indeed Nigerians would rue the missed opportunity to be at the 2022 world cup and what might have been. Again, the performance and not necessarily the result has exposed the deficiency of the country’s bench and other missing ingredients the national team needs to weave a formidable unit, despite abundance of talent.
Elswhere, Mohammed Salah and Egypt will join Nigeria to watch the 2022 world football fiesta on television after Senegal once again proved too difficult for them. Sadio Mane netted the decisive penalty in the shootout as African champions Senegal defeated Egypt 3-1 on penalties following a 1-0 victory in Dakar and a 1-1 draw on aggregate, to reach their third World Cup finals.
Just over three weeks after netting the winning spotkick as the Teranga Lions defeated the Pharaohs on penalties in the Africa Cup of Nations final in Yaounde to win their first continental crown, Mane sent Senegal to Qatar, with Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah missing his penalty in the shootout.
As at press time, it was looking good for the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, who was leading Algeria 1-0 to be at 1-1 aggregate.
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.