Sports
WAFU B: Flying Eagles Secure Semi-Final Ticket
Nigeria’s U20 national team played out a thrilling 2-2 draw against Burkina Faso yesterday to seal passage to the semifinals of the 2022 WAFU B Championship in the Republic of Niger.
The Ladan Bosso-tutored Eagles defeated Ghana 2-0 on Sunday in their opening Group B match and knew a win over the young Stallions would see them advance to the tournament’s next phase.
And a win they almost got, thanks to Ibrahim Muhammad’s bizarre 24th -minute goal and Ibrahim Yahaya’s second-half spot-kick. But twice the Burkinabe lads pegged them back as both teams eventually settled for a share of the spoils.
Young attacker Muhammad opened the flood gates in the 24th minute, though.
The Nigerian forward was under the close watch of two Burkinabe defenders around the corner flag. Still, he somehow managed to send a cross into the danger area and was himself stunned to see the ball deceive the goalkeeper and go in off the inside of the post.
Burkina Faso equalised from the penalty spot by Abdel Rachid Zagré following a clumsy Nigerian foul in the danger area.
But ten minutes later, the Flying Eagles regained the lead also via a penalty kick, Ibrahim Yahaya stepping up to smash the ball past the opponent’s goalkeeper.
Some sloppy Flying Eagles defending, however, allowed Burkina Faso to equalize for the second time in the encounter, denying the team the victory that would have guaranteed top spot in Group B.
Despite the draw, Nigeria are through to the semifinals and will secure top spot if Ghana avoid a defeat when they square up against Burkina Faso in the final group match on Saturday.
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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