Sports
AFCON: Football Fans Urge Eagles To Up Their Game
Football fans in Bauchi have urged the Super Eagles to step up their game as they move into the round of 16 at the ongoing African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The Tidesports source reports that the Super Eagles beat Guinea-Bissau with a lone goal on Monday at the Stade Felix Houphouet Boigny in Abidjan.
The victory ensured the Eagles booked their ticket into the round of 16 of the tournament.
In a separate interview with the Tidesports source in Bauchi yesterday, some of the football fans urged the Eagles to improve in their all-round performance to advance from the round of 16 into the quarterfinal state.
Mr Umar Saidu, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Bauchi Council, said the match between the Eagles and Guinea was entertaining.
“It was a good match, we thank God that we qualified to the next knockout stages, but we missed a lot of scoring chances.
“Also, the aggressiveness of the players in trying to score was lacking, they need to improve if we really want to zoom into the quarter final.
“Considering that there were no minor countries now in football, the so-called big teams were shocked in this Nations Cup,” Saidu said.
Another enthusiast commentator, Mr Ishola Michael commended the Super Eagles for winning the match against Guinea-Bissau.
“Though Super Eagles won the match, it was not impressive enough; the attack was not sharp enough, but the midfield and defence rose to the occasion.
If we must progress to the next stage of the tournament, something must be done about the attack. Super Eagles won by luck,” he told Tidesports source.
Another sports analyst, Mr Nasiru Ibrahim, lauded the Eagles’ efforts by defeating Guinea-Bissau 1-0.
“Although the game was good, it was not as engaging as the second game against Ivory Coast.
“Nigeria lost a lot of opportunities, so the coach needs to practice on how the midfielders can find Oshimen,” he said.
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.