Sports
Ex-Eaglets Coach Urges Eagles To Surpass Second Round
A former Golden Eaglets’
coach, Godwin Izilein, has said that the Super Eagles must not rest on their oars until they break Nigeria’s other FIFA World Cup jinx.
Nigeria is yet to surpass the second round at the World Cup finals in four appearances.
Since its 1994 debut, Nigeria lost at the second round stage in 1994 and 1998, and lost out after the first round in 2002 and 2010.
Izilein told newsmen that the team could only achieve this if Nigerians were fair in their criticism of it.
“Outright condemnation of the team is not only wrong but very bad in terms of development,’’ he said.
The former Eaglets coach said the team’s goalless draw with Iran on June 16 was a big testimony to the fact that there were no longer minnows in football.
Izilein said Nigerians must therefore be courageous enough and fair in their criticism of the national team.
“We should cherish what we have, so that they can do better in subsequent matches.
“We can all see that we have improved better than what we played in our first match against the Iranian team which many considered to be minnows,” he said.
While commending the team’s head coach, Stephen Keshi, and the players, Izilein, who once also handled the Super Falcons, urged the players to work harder in their subsequent matches.
He said this would enhance their chances of breaking the jinx of Nigeria not qualifying for the quarter-finals.
“Nothing is greater than prayers, and there should be candid efforts to work harder than their normal capacity.
“The competition is now a survival of the fittest and the level of technical know-how a team has.
“For instance, the Eagles did fairly well in the first match, and performed averagely in the second match. Now, they will perform superlatively in the next match against Argentina,’’ Izilein said.
Nigeria, with the 1-0 defeat of Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday, now sit in second place behind Argentina who had earlier on Saturday defeated Iran 1-0.
In the final round of Group F matches tomorrow, Nigeria who now have four points will face Argentina who have the maximum six points.
Bosnia, with no point after two defeats, will face Iran which have one point.
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.