Sports
S’Falcons’ Coach Worried Over Ireland
Nigeria coach Randy Waldrum has predicted a very difficult game when they meet the Republic of Ireland in their final Group B game this morning.
Ireland are the whipping girls of Group B as they anchor the table after losing 1-0 to co-hosts Australia and 2-1 to Canada. They are already out of contention for the knockout stages of the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup but Waldrum is refusing to reach much into that ahead of the two sides’ meeting this morning in Brisbane.
Table-toppers Super Falcons just need a point from the Republic of Ireland to reach the Round of 16.
“We have shown we are a better team than number 40 in the world,” Waldrum told reporters.
“It is going to be a very difficult game. People may think I am crazy for saying this, but I think it could be our hardest match. Ireland have been a bit unlucky in the first two matches and could have got a result.”
“We are not expecting them to lay down because they are going home already, I am expecting to get the best from them and have been very impressed with their team and their organisation.”
Nigeria’s heroine in conquering Australia Asisat Oshoala has been a fitness concern in this tournament and Waldrum stressed the importance of managing her playing minutes.
“She is doing much better, we did the right thing by managing her minutes and we might have to do that again in this match,” said Waldrum.
“She will definitely be playing, but we will have to see for how long.”
Other African teams have been struggling at the World Cup but Nigeria have been impressive. After opening their campaign with a 0-0 draw against Canada, they went on to upset another much-fancied opponent Australia 3-2 in front of the co-hosts’ dominant crowd.
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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