Sports
Eagles’ Performance Against Angola Impresses Keshi
Super Eagles Head Coach Stephen Okecukwu Keshi and his Pelanca Negras counterpart, Lito Vidigal, were full of praise for their teams and particularly the Nigerian side after the goalless draw at the Abuja National Stadium on Wednesday.
Vidigal conceded that he was right to field his strongest squad against Nigeria, because any team that Nigeria presents in any game was always going to be difficult to beat.
“We had to change tactics when we saw that the team was stronger than we thought but I’m happy that we came away with a draw against a Nigerian side as big and determined as the one we saw today. It’s still shocking that the team did not make it to the Nations Cup.”
On his part, Keshi said he was satisfied with the performance of his players but expected victory from them.
“We were a little bit wasteful with the chances we had and that is why I will always say we are rebuilding, refocusing and pumping confidence into the boys. Nigerians will start seeing the result very soon, but they must be patient with the boys, because they are still growing.”
The Eagles depart Nigeria for Liberia for another international friendly against that country’s national team today, while the Angolans have since departed Abuja for Nations cup hostilities in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
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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