Sports
2023 AFCON: Nigeria, Sierra Leone Clash In Abuja
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will tomorrow at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abuja open their bid to qualify for the 2023 African Cup of Nations billed for Ivory Coast with their first Group A fixture against the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone. The Eagles under the tutelage of nascent Nigeria’s new coach, Jose Peseiro, would be aiming to return to the African championships with a bang, especially, after flattering to deceive in their last outing, where they were stopped by the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in the second round in Cameroon.
However, they must first of all, negotiate their way past the Leone Stars, who only few months ago stared them in the eyes without blinking, home and away. On paper, the Super Eagles may appear as the favourites to open this Group A account with victory, but nothing is guaranteed. This is because, in the last two meetings between the two, the Eagles were in the ascendancy at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos, racing to a 4-0 lead before contriving to concede the lead and played out an unbelievable 4-4 draw. The return leg offered no better tale for Nigeria as it ended scoreless.
It is on this background that tomorrow’s clash would certainly be set. While the Super Eagles should be motivated to prove a point and show that they are a class above the opponents, the visitors would be buoyed by their last experience in standing up to the Nigerian team. The Leone Stars arrived Nigeria early and have been perfecting their strategy to take a major scalp in the group.
The Super Eagles on their part are just coming from a tour of the United States, where they took on Mexico and Ecuador in friendlies. Though the two games ended in defeat for coach Peseiro and his wards, they must have afforded the coach ample opportunity to see his team in competitive action from close quarters. It is expected that he should work to fix the lapses noticed in the games as they go for the real thing, beginning with Sierra Leone tomorrow before other dates with Sao Tome and Principe and Guinea Bissau for the tickets available from the group.
The facts are ominous for the Super Eagles though. They are winless in five games on the trot and the fact they conceded the first goal in four of those four encounters is telling. Coach Peseiro must, therefore, ensure that he gets his personnel and tactics spot on in order to begin the race on the front foot. After experimenting with Cyriel Dessers and Terem Moffi against Mexico and Ecuador, the return of Victor Osimhen is expected to add more verve to the attack, while Leon Balogun in defence and a tweak of the midfield should give the Eagles more balance and teeth to attack tomorrow’s opponents.
The plucky Leone Stars will certainly be aiming for an upset as coach John Keister would want see early advantage in the race go to his side. They may not possess as much individual quality as may be ascribed to the Super Eagles, but they have proven to be a stubborn and resilient unit. It this notion, that is expected to guide Coach Peseiro and his team as they file out tomorrow to battle the visitors.
Unfortunately, home comfort will count for little as the game billed for 5pm will be without fans, Nigeria, serving the sanction for fans’ misdemeanor last time out versus Black Stars of Ghana at same venue.
By: Gabriel Nwanetanya
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.
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