Sports
Ex- Internationals Tip Falcons For Knockout Stage
Former stars of the Super Falcons have tipped the team to qualify out of the group stage at the 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand Tidesports source reports.
Although Nigeria is considered one of the underdogs of Group B, they are the only nation in this group to have been present at every single Women’s World Cup. At the 2019 World Cup, they made the knockout rounds, and this time around they will be looking to repeat it in a very tough group.
Nigeria was ranked 38 in the World in 2019, compared to 33 in 2015, when they failed to make it out of the group stage. Now they are at number 40, but are still the top-ranked African nation at this year’s World Cup but are by far, the lowest ranked in Group B.
Stella Mbachu, a member of the Falcons squad to four World Cup tournaments (1999-2011), is positive about the Falcons’ chances, saying they can even go beyond Nigeria’s best run at the World Cup.
“Yes, they have the chance to qualify for the knockout stage. Football is all about determination and hard work. If you have all these, I bet you, they will go far. If they act like a team, have courage, believe in themselves, then they can go to any length, they can go far and succeed.
“If they are all determined and work hard, I think they will even go beyond the quarter-final, the Falcons highest achievement at the event in 1999,” she told Tidesports source.
Another former Falcons star Patience Avre believes the Nigerians can pull an upset against the favourites in the group.
“Yeah, they’ve come a long way I believe they are going to do well and they are going to shock a lot of people this time. Everyone should watch out for them, I’m seeing them going far.
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.