Sports
We’re Still Africa’s Best – Super Falcons
Super Falcons stars are proud of their achievement at the 2022 WAFCON despite their semi-final defeat on Monday evening. The nine-woman Falcons lost 5-4 on penalties after a 1-1 stalemate against hosts Morocco, with Ifeoma Onumonu missing the team’s second kick after her effort was saved by home goalkeeper Khadija Er-Rmichi.
Midfielder Halimatu Ayinde and forward Rasheedat Ajibade received red cards in the 48th and 71st minutes for poor tackles, which forced Coach Randy Waldrum to apply a cautious and defensive approach for the remainder of the game.
The suspended Ajibade insisted that despite the defeat, the Falcons were still Africa’s number one women’s side.
“Words ain’t enough to describe the passion, resilience, tenacity of this Super Falcons team, we remain the best. Super proud of you all,” Ajibade said.
Goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie was dejected after the defeat, despite being awarded the Woman-of.The-match.
“The whole Moroccan team knew that Nigeria is a great team, so to beat us they had to distract us.
“They did everything they did just to distract us. Since I have been playing football, this is the worst match I have ever played in my life.
“They won but this is not winning for me. The officiating was not really okay. If they were good enough, we were nine players against 11; they would have scored and won. That is to show you how great we are.”
“I’m proud to have won the player of the match award in Monday’s game, to my great Super Falcons; I dedicate this award to you all. To our amazing fans, thank you for the support and encouragement. It’s not over until it’s over.”
Captain of the team, Onome Ebi, who could not finish the game due to a hamstring injury stated, “All I have to say to this amazing team is that I am super proud of us all.”
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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