Sports
AWC: Kudaisi Raises Alarm Over Falcons
Ex-Super Falcons de
fender Yinka Kudaisi has warned that the country’s women’s team is in danger of bombing out at next month’s African Women’s Championship in Namibia due to poor preparations.
“Female football in Nigeria now is not getting the needed attention, it is nothing to write home about,” bemoaned Kudaisi.
“Just over a month is too short a time for a team to have a very good preparation for the Nations Cup.”
The finalists at the 2014 AWC will represent Africa at next year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup in Canada.
The former QBIK of Sweden player told Tidesports source that their era in Falcons was golden because they enjoyed the best build-up towards any major competition.
“During our time, we used to do well because we were able to concentrate, focus on the job because the Nigeria Football Federation, NFF was fully behind us with long period of camping before a tournament and we played tough friendly games against countries,” she recalled.
“Nigerians should not blame the girls and their coaches if they failed to win the trophy in Namibia because the time they have to prepare is too short.
“With good preparation, you are most likely going to do well in a competition.”
Kudaisi featured for Delta Queens, Pelican Stars, Rivers Angels, Simbiat Abiola Queens, Ibom Queens, Jegede Babes (all in Nigeria) and QBIK in Sweden.
She won five Nations Cups in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2006 and featured at two World Cups, Sweden 1995 and USA 1999
She also played at the Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004 Olympics.
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.