Sports
NFF President Tips Flamingos For Quarterfinal Ticket
The President of new board of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau has expressed confidence that Nigeria’s U-17 team, the Flamingos, will qualify for the next round of the tournament at the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup in India.
This came after the Flamingos defeated Chile 2-1 in a Group B fixture, which held at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar on Monday.
Both teams had three points each going into the game but the Africa’s representatives have superior goals difference and would have scaled through if the game ended in a draw.
“Though we needed a draw to qualify, I told the technical crew and the players to work hard for a win to sustain their winning mentality.
“That element is crucial for a team at this point in the tournament. Winning mentality ensures that you want to go for it no matter the situation or condition.
“They did well to get the goals against New Zealand, but we needed these three points as well so that the message can go out to our quarter-finals opponents that we mean serious business.”
The 4-0 win over New Zealand took the Flamingos to three points and plus three goals advantage, while their 6-0 thumping by group leaders Germany meant the Chileans remained on three points and with minus four goals.
Beaming with optimism, Flamingos’ Head Coach, Bankole Olowookere had said his girls would not take their feet off the pedal against any opponent.
“We are ready for another three points. We had a good win over New Zealand, but I’m not happy we lost so many scoring chances. We cannot afford to do that against Chile.
“We are very focused because nothing has been won yet. It is another game in which we must give our very best and ensure we get a win.”
The Flamingos will now face Group A winners, USA in the quarter finals on Friday.
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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