Sports
F’ Eagles Coach To Submit AFCON Final List Jan 20
Flying Eagles head coach, Ladan Bosso, will submit his final squad list of 23 players to the Confederation of African Football latest January 20, ahead of the 2023 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations finals scheduled for Egypt.
The tournament is billed to hold from February 19 to March 11 with seven-time champions Nigeria drawn against hosts Egypt, Senegal and Mozambique in Group A of the competition.
“We expect the list of players for the tournament to be sent in latest January 20th,” a team official told Tidesports source..
Meanwhile, Bosso stated that the team would resume the final phase of camping for the forthcoming tourney on January 7.
He also revealed that their preparations for the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations would be in Spain or Morocco.
“The camp will resume January 7 and the training tour will either be in Spain or Morocco,” Bosso said.
Bosso also disclosed he would be looking to add some experience in defence and attack, with the invitation of more overseas-based professionals.
“We need experience in attack and defence and even if any overseas-based player will join the team, they will be from these departments,” he said.
He also spoke about the tough-looking U-20 AFCON first-round group, adding that all teams were worthy of their places.
“It’s a normal group. Every team that qualifies for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations is hopeful of qualifying for the World Cup,” Bosso said.
“So, whether we are in a tough group or not, if you want to qualify for the World Cup, you must play against the top teams at the Africa Cup of Nations.
“We will take it step by step. We won’t put any country first, we must respect every country in our group and we’ll work towards it.
“This team is not Bosso’s team, it’s Nigeria’s team. So, I want everyone to pray for the team now that the draws have been made.”
Bosso said his target was to reach the semi-finals, which would qualify the Flying Eagles for the U-20 World Cup in Indonesia in May.
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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