Sports
‘Why Super Eagles Could Reach AFCON Finals’
A William Troost-Ekong second half penalty secured a 1-0 win for Nigeria’s Super Eagles against hosts Côte d’Ivoire, in their second Group A game at the AFCON 2023 in Abidjan on Thursday.
The Nigerian players went into the game on the back of a disappointing 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea.
But, there is the belief that Nigeria’s win against Côte d’Ivoire could mean another AFCON final appearance.
This is because anytime Nigeria win or draw against Côte d’Ivoire, they always play in the final of that year’s AFCON.
Following this belief, here are four reasons to back the claim that Nigeria could be heading for another final appearance at this year’s tournament.
– NIGERIA 0-0 COTE D’IVOIRE (1980 AFCON/Group Stage)
The first time Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire met at the AFCON was the 1980 edition in the group stage.
It was the second group stage game for host Nigeria which ended goalless.
Despite the disappointing result, Nigeria went all the way to final to lift their first-ever AFCON title.
– NIGERIA 1-0 CÔTE D’IVOIRE (1990 AFCON/Group Stage)
Nigeria had to wait 10 years before they clashed with the Ivorians again at the AFCON, this time at Algiers 1990.
It was in another group game contest but this time Nigerian side won thanks to a goal from the late Rashidi Yekini.
It was the final group game for the Nigerian side which was a must win for them.
After eventually qualifying from the group stage alongside hosts Algeria to the semi-finals, the Nigerian side beat Zambia and advanced to the final.
Unfortunately, they lost 1-0 to Algeria thanks to a first half goal.
For the first time the Nigerian team met Côte d’Ivoire in the knockout stage at the AFCON and this time it was in the semi-finals at the 1994 edition in Tunisia.
Both teams tied at 2-2 after 120 minutes of a pulsating encounter, but it was the Nigerian side that progressed to the final after winning 4-2 in the ensuing penalty shootout.
In the final, a brace from Emmanuel Amuneke secured a 2-1 comeback win against a resolute Zambian side led by the legendary Kalusha Bwalya.
– NIGERIA 2-1 CÔTE D’IVOIRE (2013 AFCON/Quarter-finals)
The quarter-final clash at the 2013 AFCON saw Côte d’Ivoire tipped as favourites over a Nigerian side that struggled in the group stage.
But to everyone’s surprise Nigeria won 2-1 with goals coming from Emmanuel Emenike and Sunday Mba.
The win was the turnaround the Nigerian team needed, as they hammered Mali 4-1 in the semi-finals before edging Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.
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.