Sports
U-17 Women’s W/Cup: Nigeria, Others Eye Azerbaijan
There were no surprises as Africa’s first round of qualifying for the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 came to a conclusion on Sunday, with six sides now left to fight it out for the three finals slots.
Qualifiers at the previous two world finals, Nigeria made short work of Kenya in their two-legged tie, winning 2-0 away and following up with a comfortable 3-0 victory in Abeokuta. Coach Peter Dedevbo’s Flamingoes will now face Zambia in the next round.
Inspired no doubt by the exploits of the men’s senior team, who have reached the semi-finals of the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, the young Zambians overpowered Botswana 7-1 on aggregate, four of the She-Polopo’s goals coming from Elena Mubanga.
Likewise, Ghana checked into the last four at the CAN 2012 at the weekend, and their young Maidens are also right on track for Azerbaijan 2012, easing past Cameroon 5-0 in their tie. One-nil victors away from home, the Ghanaians strolled to a 4-0 win in Accra, the star of the show being classy 14-year-old Mary Essiful.
Waiting for them in the next round are South Africa, who qualified along with Ghana for Trinidad and Tobago 2010 and should provide an altogether sterner test. Held to a 1-1 draw by Namibia in their first leg, the Bantwana made no mistake in the return, scoring five without reply.
The other first-round victors were Gambia and Tunisia, who now face off in the second and final qualifying round, the Gambians edging out Sierra Leone 4-3 and the north Africans earning a walkover after Guinea withdrew from the competition.
Neither side has reached the world finals before, which will ensure that a little history is made when the three ties are played on 9 and 25 March.
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.