Sports
AFCON 2023: Akpoguma, Ndidi, Others Hit Eagles Camp
A total of 16 players have arrived at the Super Eagles’ John Woods Hotel Camp in Abuja ahead of Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on Friday and March 27, with nine more expected, Tidesports source reports.
The Eagles are scheduled to play the Djurtus in a two-legged affair as they bid to book their place at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast next year.
The first leg holds at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja on March 24, before the Eagles travel to Guinea for the second leg March 27.
Among the players in camp, Hoffenheim’s defender Kevin Akpoguma was the first player to arrive the Eagles camp.
He was later joined by Joe Aribo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Semi Ajayi to take the number of players in camp to six before noon on Monday.
Update from the Eagles media team also confirmed that goalkeepers Francis Uzoho and Kingsley Aniagboso have also arrived for the qualifiers.
The number of players in the camp swelled to 16 after Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi, Daniel Bameyi, Kenneth Omeuro, Frank Onyeka, Moses Simon, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ahmed Musa and Paul Onuachu all hit the camp.
Meanwhile, reports from Guinea-Bissau confirmed that the Djurtus on Monday underwent medical examinations ahead of the clash.
“The players of the national team underwent electrocardiogram medical examinations earlier this (Monday) afternoon at one of the clinics in Bissau,” the Guinea-Bissau Football Federation wrote on their Facebook page.
“The athletes are well prepared and focused on the group objectives for the games against Nigeria.”
Djurtus held their first training on Monday afternoon, in Bissau at the National Stadium on September 24, under the guidance of Baciro Cande and will leave for Nigeria on Tuesday.
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.