Sports
U-20 W’Cup: Falconets to face Malawi after Senegal win
Goals by Kindness Ifeanyi and Precious Oscar earned Nigeria a 3-1 aggregate win, sending them to the final round of the series, where they will clash with the Under-20 girls of Malawi.
The Falconets’ first goal at the Annexe Stade Abdoulaye Wade arrived in the 19th minute, when Ifeanyi headed the ball into the home team’s net off a corner kick.
It was similar to her goal at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta a week ago, when she powered home a header off a corner kick by defender Tumininu Adeshina.
Oscar imitated her teammate well in the second half, when she also scored from a corner kick delivered by Adeshina in the 69th minute to double Nigeria’s lead.
The Senegalese pulled a goal back through Sokhna N.T. Pene in the 76th minute, but it was mere consolation as the Falconets made sure of the ticket to the final round with a dominant display.
Ifeanyi had scored the only goal in the first leg in Abeokuta, giving Nigeria a crucial advantage heading into the return fixture.
Malawi edged out Guinea-Bissau in their fixture and will now face the Falconets in the final round of the series in May, with Africa to present four teams at the final tournament scheduled for Poland in September.
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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