Sports
Cricket: Namibia Ends Nigeria’s ICC World Cup Dream
Nigeria U-19 cricket team on Sunday could not scratch out a sweat from the top-ranked Namibian team as they lost by 53 runs at the Gymkhana Club Ground in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Namibia won the toss and choose to bat. The highest-ranked team among the six World Cup ticket contenders enjoyed a cool batting inning as they played out their 50 overs, recorded 148 runs, and lost 9 wickets.
Nigeria had to chase 149 in the second inning but were all dismissed in the 37th over. The Nigerian Junior Yellow Greens could only score 95 runs thus making Namibia win by the difference of the two scores, 53 runs.
Nigeria U19 was found wanting most in the batting department where the scores were produced. Solomon Chilemanya will be justified among the 14 Nigerian teenage players. Solomon scored 27 runs while Joshua Asia made 26 runs in Sunday’s game. Others like Prosper Useni, Selim Salau, Paul Pam, and Ridwan Abdulkareem performed below average throughout the tournament.
While some cricket followers blamed the wicket quality in Tanzania for Nigeria’s failure, others pointed to the success of other teams at the same venue.
Peter Aho who played an exceptional role in the 2019 squad that won the World Cup ticket believes the boys are unlucky. “But they ought to adjust to the game situation and follow the coaching instructions.”
The poor performance of the team has embarrassed the majority of cricket fans in the country to the extent that many lost interest in following the tournament. Most social media platforms did not share the links or stories compared to the last national female team outing in Kwibuka, Rwanda.
Meanwhile, flawless Namibia will be awarded the last ticket for Africa having emerged top of the group. Nigeria has lost the opportunity to play at the global stage and also lost Division 1 status thus being relegated to Division 2 in the Africa.
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.