Sports
Olawoyin Assures Nigerians Of Good Performance, Today
Caykur Rizespor of Turkey winger, Ibrahim Olawoyin has assured Nigerians to give more than 100 percent if selected to face South Africa in today’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.
Olawoyin who played for the CHAN Eagles under Imama Amapakabo while he was with Enugu Rangers has since gone abroad and recently finished his second season in Turkey.
The winger told Tidesports source that he sees his invitation to the Super Eagles as a big privilege which he would forever cherish and that this will spur him on to give his best knowing that he is representing the entire Nigerians.
The Rizespor player affirmed that even though he was surprised to receive a late invitation since he was not initially in the list of the invited players but reckoned that he was filled with joy knowing that he finally got his chance to represent his fatherland at senior level.
“The feeling is so amazing. It is a big privilege for me which I will cherish for life. I really appreciate it and it is a great feeling for me,” Olawoyin told Tidesports source “Not really! It came as a surprise to me. I am really happy it finally came because I have been looking forward to it. If opportunity is given to me, I will like to prove myself.”
Olawoyin said he was happy to train with world-class players in the Super Eagles who are making waves in their respective clubs , adding it would rub positively on his career in the long run.
“It is different because we have quality players in all positions that are doing well in the clubs they represent. It is really great and it will make one better,” Olawoyin further said.
The championship will run from today to October 12 at the International Conference Centre, Umuahia. On the ground for the championship are athletes from Brazil, Peru, Egypt, Cameroon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Mauritius and Rwanda. They arrived on Sunday.
Some of the other countries were expected in the Abia State capital yesterday. Speaking on the championship, yesterday, Abia State Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Nwobilor Ananaba, said the chief host, Governor Alex Otti, has mobilised facilities and the personnel to ensure a successful event.
Speaking through the Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports, Raymond Chima Ukwa, said: “We have the best mats, playing mats, especially the wheelchair playing mats, which is the first of its kind in West Africa.
“If you go around, you’ll see the hall and the preparation that has been made to ensure that people have an equitable world-class playing field.” Thrilled by Governor Otti’s support for the competition, Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN) President, Francis Orbih, said that, besides making all the necessary arrangements that will ensure a successful hosting of the events, “we will have a Para-Badminton workshop for coaches and players.
“Nigeria is doing well, Abia is doing well, and we want to do better to improve on where we are, which is why all these have been put together by Governor Otti.”
Nigeria’s Flying Eagles began their campaign at the 24th FIFA U20 World Cup with a narrow 1–0 loss to Norway on Monday, despite creating several opportunities to level the game.
Norway took the lead in the 9th minute after being awarded a controversial penalty. The Flying Eagles pressed for an equaliser but were denied two penalty claims in the second half.
Kparobo Arierhi came close in the 47th minute when his shot drifted wide with the goalkeeper beaten, while Tahir Maigana struck the upright in the 63rd minute.
Nasiru Salihu’s rising effort in the 71st minute also went narrowly over the bar, drawing gasps from the crowd.
Seven minutes from time, Maigana again tested Norway with a long-range strike that went just wide as Nigeria continued to pile on the pressure.
Despite their dominance, the Flying Eagles could not find the breakthrough and now turn their attention to Thursday’s clash against Saudi Arabia in their second group match.
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