Sports
U-17: Guinea Players Intimidated My Boys – Eaglets Coach
For the first time in the competition, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets were outplayed and, thus, couldn’t progress to the final of the competition
After missing out on the U17 Africa Cup of Nations final, Nigeria U17 coach Manu Garba has praised his players, stating that they played ‘gallantly’ in the face of ‘bigger’ Guinea U17 boys.
In their semi-final clash against Mohamed Camara’s side, the Golden Eaglets played out a goallessdraw before going on to lose 10-9 on penalties.
Notably, they struggled to get a foothold in the game and were largely outplayed by the Junior Sylis, who enjoyed 52% of the possession.
It was the first time in the competition that Nigeria suffered such fate, after dominating Group A oppositions Tanzania, Angola and Uganda in the previous three matches, which ended in two wins and a draw.
“I congratulate my colleague for the victory but I must say that even in defeat we lost gallantly, despite the fact that the Guineans were bigger in size than my boys,” Garba said after the match.
“They used their physical presence to intimidate some of the players.
“Of course they had the protection of the centre man some certain times. But I must say that we gave a good account of ourselves.
“We created more chances than the Guineans. We were just unlucky not to [wrap up the game in regular time]. But the ultimate is to qualify for the World Cup and that’s what we have done.
“So I say congratulations to the Guineans.”
Garba’s claim about the ‘bigger’ Guinea U17 side comes after Senegal voiced their displeasure over alleged age-cheating in Camara’s squad.
Tomorrow, Nigeria faces Angola, who were defeated on penalties by Cameroon, in the third place and fourth place play-off.
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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