Sports
AFCON: Eguavoen, Emenike predict S’ Eagles’ chances
Austin Eguavoen
Eguavoen disclosed that Super Eagles pedigree and the current form of its players in Europe make it difficult to overlook Nigeria and that he is optimistic about the chances of the team in Morocco later in the year at the 2025 African Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The e former Super Eagles’ captain and coach, however, noted that Nigeria must be wary of their opponents in Group C if they want to progress in the competition.
“On paper, Super Eagles look very good in Group C. The AFCON draw is okay for Nigeria on paper. The team must prove it on the field,” Eguavoen disclosed. “Nothing is easy, especially in the world of sports, football to be precise. If you don’t prepare very well, you will get a shocking defeat.
“If you want to be champion, you should be ready to play any team and win. No more minors in football.
“Personally, i am happy with the AFCON draw, the players, the Federation are equally happy.
“It is up to us to plan very well, prepare very well for and do the job by taking it game after game,” he said.
In a related development, former striker, Emmanuel Emenike, has backed newly coach Eric Chelle to turn the Super Eagles around.
Emenike, a 2013 AFCON winner, believes that Chelle has what it takes to succeed with Nigeria, adding the Franco-Malian is condemned to prove his mettle.
“I think he (Chelle) will do well because he has a lot of things to prove. They left a lot of local coaches to employ him. I believe he has so much and a lot to offer the country,” Emenike who scored nine goals for the Super Eagles , said.
He also stated that Chelle has a lot of good and game-winning players in the squad who will go on to make things easier for him.
“We have a lot of players who can win games. Osimhen can win games, he’s a fighter. We have Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and many more in the team who can win games. I believe that with a little bit of hard work and if they can tell themselves the truth, they can go far.”
Speaking on Nigeria’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, Emenike said the possibility of qualifying is 50-50.
“I will go 50-50 for that. We’re in a very shaky situation,” the Fenerbahce legend said.
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.