Sports
My Tactics Suffered Against South Africa – Peseiro
Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro, has stated that his new-found winning formation suffered in the last 20 minutes of the semi-final clash with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
The Tide’s source reports that Peseiro said this during a news conference after Nigeria’s 4-2 penalty shootout win at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Bouake, Côte d’Ivoire.
The Portuguese tactician also said the semi-final match was his toughest game so far in the ongoing AFCON.
“Around 90 minutes, I saw that our team suffered; we were shaken; we lost the balance.
“But during the break before the extra time, we put ourselves together and went into extra time with that confidence.
“They are a very good team; they created a lot of problems for us; they did a fantastic job, but I think our boys deserved to win,” Peseiro said.
His South African counterpart, Hugo Broos, expressed the belief that his team played very well but lost the game and praised his boys for a good job.
“Two minutes before the end of 90 minutes, we had three clear-cut chances. If we could score, then it means we are going to the final.
“It is a disappointment for everyone because we feel that we played a very good game today, and I’m very proud of it.
“I’m proud of my players; the disappointment is small, and the proudness is very big. What they did, what they performed, not only today, I think I have to be proud as a coach,” Broos.
Nigeria’s captain, William Ekong, scored from the spot to give the Super Eagles the lead in the 67th minute.
A dramatic twist in events saw Victor Osimhen’s celebrations cut short in the 86th minute after scoring what would have been Nigeria’s second goal.
But a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) review resulted in a penalty against the Super Eagles after Alhassan Yusuf had fouled a player in his goal area.
Bafana Bafana’s Teboho Mokoena sent goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali to the wrong side to even the score in the 88th minute.
The Tide’s source reports that the two sides had their few chances in extra time, but Nwabali stole the show when he stopped two of South Africa’s penalties to give Nigeria a 4-2 win at the end of the encounter.
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.