Sports
Nigeria Tipped To Qualify For 2017 AFCON
The road to the 2017
AFCON will be rough for Nigeria as they will battle “tough” Egypt for a place at the 2017 AFCON to be staged by Gabon, according to several Nigerian stars.
Three-time champions Nigeria was drawn with Egypt, Tanzania and Chad will only the eventual group leaders guaranteed automatic qualification for Gabon 2017.
They open Group G campaign in the second week of June at home against Chad. Egypt has won the tournament a record seven times, but they have failed to qualify for the last three editions.
They have clashed with Nigeria 17 times at full international level with the Pharaohs winning six and drawing six of these meetings.
Egypt beat the Eagles 3-2 in their last clash in April 2012.
“Egypt will always be a great team. They have had their problems partly because of the political problems affecting the country. They appear to be overcoming these problems and will push Nigeria for top spot,” said former Eagles star Garba Lawal.
“Both Tanzania and Chad will not be pushovers as every country now knows how to play football.
“We can’t afford to play for one of the ‘second-best’ spots. We have to top this group and as such we have to be fully prepared for a battle.”
Nigeria caretaker coach Daniel Amokachi simply said: “By His Grace, we will qualify for AFCON 2017 from this group.”
One-time Eagles winger Tijjani Babangida further said: “No matter what, Nigeria are ahead of all the teams in our group.
“If the coaches selected the best players with good technical inputs, we will definitely qualify.
“Daniel Amokachi is there now as coach, let him and the NFF be on same page so there won’t be problems like we had in the last two friendly matches, where the coach in charge said he didn’t invite the players.
“He knows the players well, he should be on same page with the NFF because the coaches are always to blame when things go bad.”
Another ex-Eagles star Benedict Akwuegbu said the coaching vacancy in the present team has to be resolved soon so that focus will be on the first qualifier in June.
“Eagles coaching appointment saga must be resolved in time so that the preparations for the qualifying games will not be affected. Nigerians can’t afford not to be at the next AFCON 2017. All the same, we should still qualify,” he told newsmen.
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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