Sports
Olympics Qualifiers: ‘It’s Do-Or-Die Against Falcons’
Banyana Banyana coach, Desiree Ellis, has warned the Super Falcons that it will be ‘do or die’ in the final round for the women’s football event of the 2024 Olympics in April, Tidesports source reports.
South Africa and Nigeria, who both failed to qualify for the women’s football event at the last edition of the Olympics in Tokyo, Japan will clash for a place at this summer’s Games in Paris after they both came through their respective third-round qualifiers.
The reigning African champions saw off Tanzania 4-0 on aggregate to stay in the race for one of two African slots in the women’s football event at the Olympics, while Nigeria needed a 15th-minute Esther Okoronkwo winner in the second leg to edge Cameroon in a turgid 180-minute battle over two legs.
“It will be do-or-die (vs Nigeria),” Ellis said after her side’s win over Tanzania.
“We know the game against Nigeria will not be easy, but we have shown that we can play the best. Having our best players back will also help a lot, because when it comes to those tough matches you need players with experience, and you need to get mix right with the youth and experience.
“Hopefully we can get that right and get the positive results first away from home again,” she added.
The CAF Women’s Coach of The Year added that her team would plan for an early training camp to give them a bigger chance against the nine-time African champions.
“We want to have an early camp, we will improve our chances when we prepare early and very well,” she said.
The first leg of the final playoffs is billed for April 1 at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja with the return leg in South Africa eight days later with the overall winners qualifying for the Olympics.
The Paris 2024 Olympics will hold between July 26 and August 11, 2024.
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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