Sports
Angola 2010: Amodu, Super Eagles Face Nations Cup Test morrow …Clash With Egypt In Group C Opener
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will tomorrow in Benguela, Angola begin their quest for glory in the 27th Africa Cup of Nations, tagged Angola 2010, as they clash with defending champions, the Pharoahs of Egypt.
It is the beginning of the test of the resolve of the Nigerian team and the ability of coach Shuaibu Amodu to, first of all, achieve the semi final mandate given the team by the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, and ending the search for the championships elusive ultimate prize since 1994.
On paper, the game looks to be a titanic tie between two African football powers which promises to produce a quality context.
Egypt though appears to have a slight edge when recent form is put into consideration.
The Pharaohs have won the title back-to-back on the last two editions and seem to know how to navigate the terrain.
But the teams inability to qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa and the absence of influential players, Mohammed Aboutarika, Amr Zaki and Mido cast a question on their chances in Angola.
For the Super Eagles, it has not been smooth sailing for them as they struggled to edge out Tunisia in the race for South Africa 2010.
Also, the lack of the finesse and killer instinct the team was noted for in the past and the apparent lack of confidence on Coach Amodu, and the presence to do well in the competition may weigh down the Eagles.
Interestingly, however, the Nigerian team knows that their fate on the competition may be shaped by the outcome of tomorrow’s match.
Coach Amodu and Skipper Nwankwo Kanu have underlined the importance of the match by declaring that Egypt must be beaten.
Indeed, the Pharaohs seem to be at their most vulnerable point but the Super Eagles must be cautious.
They must avoid the disjointed performance, poor defending and lethargic marksmanship that were the hallmark of their qualify campaign if they are to beat the Egyptians and pass the test that is before them in Angola.
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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