Sports
Forget Failures, Plan For AFCON Qualifiers, Ex-Stars Tell Eagles
Ex-internationals have urged the Nigerian Football Federation not to dwell on the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup but focus more on preparing the team for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, which kicks off in June.
The Eagles lost the World Cup ticket on the away goals rule after Ghana held the three-time African champions 1-1 in the second leg in Abuja, March 29. The first leg in Kumasi four days earlier ended goalless.
Former Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, said the players must rededicate themselves to the team and ensure such setback do not happen again.
“I am confident the Eagles will bounce back, but they must show courage to do that when the AFCON qualifiers start.”
Another Ex-Eagles star, Garba Lawal stated, “I did not think the NFF should still be thinking of Nigeria’s failure to qualify for Qatar 2022 when we know that the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers will commence soon.
“Yes, it is sad that the Eagles will not be at the World Cup, however, we don’t have the time to start crying over spilled milk.
“Eagles will rise again in a matter of time and I know the team will make up for their mistakes.”
Tidesports source reports that former Eagles left-back, Ifeanyi Udeze, believes the team needs a bit of reorganisation to excel.
“The team needs a bit of reorganising. It is unfortunate that the team failed to qualify for the World Cup and that is in the past now. We must put that behind us and help the Eagles excel again.
“The AFCON qualifiers will start soon, so the boys and the NFF must start preparations to avoid another setback. The players themselves must show character when playing for the country.”
The Eagles will know their group opponents in the qualifying series for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast after the Confederation of African Football last Friday announced that the draws for the phase would hold April 19.
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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