Sports
‘Yobo, Mikel Rift Inspired Eagles AFCON 2013 Victory’
The rift between former Super Eagles captains Joseph Yobo and Mikel Obi at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa inspired the team to their third African title in South Africa, Ogenyi Onazi has revealed.
The Eagles, under late coach Stephen Keshi, started the tournament on a shaky note, recording 1-1 draws against Burkina Faso and Zambia in their opening two group games but they bounced back with a 2-0 win over Ethiopia courtesy of a brace from Victor Moses in their last game of the group.
Their qualification for the next round saw the Eagles draw huge tournament favourites Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals, a tie which saw them team tagged ‘underdogs’ by many football enthusiasts.
But against the run of play, the Eagles defeated the star-studded Ivorians 2-1 to reach the semi-final of the competition.
Tournament top scorer Emmanuel Emenike opened the scoring with a long-range shot that sailed right through the arms of Ivory Coast goalkeeper Boubacar Barry two minutes before half-time.
The late Cheikh Tiote equalised early in the second half with a header as he stole in unmarked at the back post.
Sunday Mba then scored 12 minutes from time to hand Nigeria a shock 2-1 quarter-final win and knock favourites Ivory Coast out of the tournament.
The Eagles went on to win the title for a third time following a 4-1 win over Mali in the semi-final with goals from Elderson Echiejile, Ahmed Musa, Ideye Brown, and an own goal from Momo Sissoko.
In the final against Burkina Faso, a solitary strike from Mba secured the title for Nigeria in Johannesburg.
Speaking with Tidesports sources, Onazi, who made five appearances at the tournament revealed that Yobo took a swipe at Mikel during a team talk prior to the Eagles quarter-final game against Lesotho.
“Something interesting happened before the match against Ivory Coast,” Onazi said.
“The Big Boss (Keshi) had a meeting with the team after our lunch and when he finished, Joseph Yobo, the captain, said we should all wait.
“He had been having this little issue with Mikel. So immediately, the coaching staff left, he took a swipe at Mikel immediately, saying, I know I have some issues with Mikel, but that’s okay. We have a very important game (against Ivory Coast) ahead of us and I know I am not starting this game, but I know you guys in there will do us proud.
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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