Sports
‘S’ Eagles Will Qualify For W’ Cup’
Ex-Enyimba International Football Club player, Mbah Agwukalu says he is very optimistic that Super Eagles will qualify for 2022 World Cup Championship given the array of tested foreign based players invited by coach AustineEguavoen in readiness for the two legged world cup playoffs against Ghana.
Reacting to the 32 man- provisional list made public by coach Eguavoen last week, Agwu held the view that the list was okay even without the inclusion of the home based players, having known the crucial settings and magnitude of the game which would determine the fate of Eagles qualifications.
“No doubt, Eguavoen is aware of the importance Nigerians attach to this match, little wonder, he is not taking chances in his invitation of players by going for the best tested legs in foreign based players who are more exposed and capable to hold their game against their arch rivals, the Ghanaians, who have been talking tough about the match”.
The self-confident Mbah Agwu, however, admitted that there were good players in NPFL game except that Eguavoen was mindful of using the best for now until Nigeria got the qualification ticket before he would invite one or two home based players into the main stream of Eagles team.
He however, used the opportunity to call on Nigerians to affirm faith in the 32-man squad invited by Eguavoen, believing that they will not let the country down by winning the Ghanaians very convincingly.
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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