SPORTS
Power, Pride and the Eagles’ Rise at AFCON
By Muhyideen Jimoh
Amid uncertainty, criticism, and widespread scepticism, the Super Eagles landed in Fes under cold skies and persistent Moroccan rain for the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2025.
From the start, they arrived carrying a weight heavier than their kits; not as favourites, but as wounded giants, one among 24 contenders all vying for Africa’s coveted crown.
Moreover, this was a team still haunted by the agony of missing the North-America bound World Cup; a team many had written off even before the first ball was kicked in the beautiful Maghreb.
However, from the blast of the first whistle, the Eagles began to peel off doubt like old feathers.
They dimmed Tanzania’s Stars, clipped the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, and dismantled a disjointed Ugandan Cranes with ruthless efficiency.
In doing so, it was not just victory; it was a declaration, with each match washing away lingering pain and restoring belief.
By the time the tournament tightened into the unforgiving knockout rounds, the Eagles no longer flinched.
Mozambique’s Mambas were swiftly devoured, while Algeria’s old foxes were sent scurrying back to the desert, outpaced by raw hunger and the Naija belief.
Clearly, Nigeria was flying again.
An excited Nigerian coach, Eric Chelle, described the victories as inspiring, adding that preparation and commitment were evident throughout the contest.
“I am extremely proud of the boys. They were happy, focused, and brave. We worked hard, and my vision is clearly taking shape in this team,” Chelle said ahead of the titanic semi-final clash in Rabat.
Then, on the D-day, in the ultimate final-before-the-final as it was dubbed, a hostile red-sea crowd, the roar of Moroccan fans, and questionable officiating all conspired to tilt the vociferous clash.
Albeit this, the Eagles fought with grit, muscle, and belief, but destiny reduced their dream to football’s cruelest lottery: the penalties.
Morocco eventually advanced. Yet, Nigeria staggered but did not fall.
What followed revealed the soul of the nation.
From Abuja came a rallying backup; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (P-BAT) stood firmly behind the team, urging them to rise again, to empty the tank, and to fight for pride.
In response, the Eagles delivered vintage Nigerian football.
In the bronze medal clash, they caged Egypt’s Pharaohs, seven-time AFCON champions, silencing North Africa’s kings to claim a record ninth AFCON bronze medal; a “golden bronze” forged in resilience rather than regret.
Moments after the final whistle, President Tinubu again spoke not with disappointment, but with pride, noting that the bronze felt like gold.
“Thank you, our gallant Super Eagles. Thank you, our national team players.
This bronze medal surely feels good like gold.
“Despite their good run during the tournament, the Eagles lost the semi-final to Morocco on penalties, and our people’s hopes of winning the championship were dashed.
“However, our players remained undaunted. They showed the resilience of the Nigerian spirit, and their effort has now paid off. This team fought for the badge, for the country, and for our collective pride”.
Clearly, the message resonated far beyond the dressing room.
With soaring wings and confidence renewed, stakeholders insist the task ahead is clear to sustain the flight, build consistency, and push Nigeria back into the elite circle of world football.
Beyond the fierce jungle of competition in Morocco lies a deeper story; one of cohesion, preparation, and strategic support.
Sports stakeholders say the Eagles’ resurgence mirrors a broader reset at home, driven by Tinubu’s deliberate push to reposition Nigerian sports as a global force and a unifying platform for over 240 million citizens.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Shehu Dikko, said presidential backing made a significant difference for the team.
“Mr President was personally invested in this team not just in words, but in action.
“From logistics to player welfare, everything was handled with intent. The players felt that confidence from the highest level, and when athletes feel valued, it reflects in their performance,” Dikko said.
Dikko added that the bronze medal represents far more than a podium finish.
“It speaks to the resilience, character, and belief of this Super Eagles team. After a difficult loss against Morocco, they responded with discipline, unity, and courage; values that define Nigerian football and the Nigerian spirit”.
He also thanked President Tinubu for his fatherly love and support for Nigerian sports.
Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, also lauded the players and technical crew for their commitment and professionalism throughout the tournament.
“This is a team that gave Nigerians hope, excitement, and pride. Winning the bronze medal against a strong Egyptian side, and doing so with composure under pressure, is a testament to the mental strength of the players and the quality of preparation by the technical crew,” Olopade said.
“The collective effort of the squad reflects a team that believes in itself and in the future of Nigerian football”.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Communication, and former Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, described the AFCON outing as a product of intentional leadership.
“President Bola Tinubu understands the power of sports to inspire hope, unite diverse people, and project Nigeria positively to the world. His support for the team was massive,” Dare said.
Tinubu’s influence, stakeholders argue, extends beyond football, as seen in the development of the so-called lesser sports.
It will be recalled that, following recent continental triumphs, Nigeria’s women’s basketball team, D’Tigress, and the Super Falcons were rewarded with cash bonuses, national honours, and houses.
They also received renewed institutional backing; gestures widely seen as restoring dignity to national service.
Analysts say the message is clear; excellence will be recognised, and sacrifice will be rewarded.
As the Super Eagles reflect on their AFCON campaign with quiet pride rather than loud celebration, their combination of talent, teamwork, and renewed belief has reignited a shared Nigerian dream.
Support from the presidency has reinforced this momentum, helping create a vision of football as a unifying force that lifts the nation’s spirit.
Ultimately, in Morocco, the Eagles did more than compete for a trophy; they reclaimed national pride, reinforced their identity, and reminded millions at home and abroad of the power of belief. (NAN)
Nigeria’s growing influence in global athletics administration has received a major boost following the appointment of Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (Rtd) as an International Referee for the World Athletics Relays, Gaborone 2026. The event is scheduled to be held from May 2 to May 3 in Botswana.
The historic appointment makes Nesiama the first Nigerian ever to be entrusted with a refereeing role at the World Athletics Relays, one of the most prestigious competitions on the World Athletics calendar.
His engagement was confirmed in a formal communication from the Local Organising Committee of the World Athletics Relays Gaborone 2026 and made available yesterday in Abuja.
The confirmation was in recognition of his “expertise” and the confidence World Athletics places in his ability to uphold fairness, professionalism, and technical excellence. For many within the athletics fraternity, the appointment comes as no surprise.
A highly respected authority in athletics officiating and competition management, Nesiama served as Referee at the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana, where he played a pivotal role in delivering seamless technical operations at one of Africa’s biggest multi-sport events.
In addition to officiating, he was also appointed as a World Athletics certified lecturer to train Ghanaian technical officials ahead of the Games, further underlining the international trust in his competence and depth of knowledge.
Nesiama is a former Technical Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and currently serves as the Chairman of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC) Technical and Development Commission, where he continues to influence policy direction and technical growth in Nigerian sports.
He is also a respected member of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Technical and Competitions Commission, contributing to the development and standardisation of athletics competitions across the continent. Over the years, he has built an impressive résumé that transcends borders.
He has functioned as a Sports Management Consultant, Competition Director, Technical Delegate, World Athletics certified Lecturer, and Silver Level Referee, officiating at numerous national and international championships.
As a prelude to his assignment at the World Relays, Nesiama has also been invited to officiate at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix, scheduled to take place a week before the World Relays.
The meet serves as a key test event ahead of the global competition, further demonstrating the confidence placed in his expertise.
His latest appointment not only underscores his individual excellence but also marks a significant milestone for Nigerian athletics administration.
It signals growing international recognition of Nigerian technical officials and their capacity to operate at the highest levels of global sport.
Tottenham Hotspur are in a relegation battle, said former England captain Wayne Rooney.
A 2-0 defeat by Manchester United stretched their winless Premier League run to seven games to leave Thomas Frank’s side 15th in the table and only six points above the relegation zone.
Spurs finished 17th last season leading to the dismissal of manager Ange Postecoglou, even after winning the Europa League.
“You’d have to say they are in a relegation battle with their current form,” said the ex-United striker on The Wayne Rooney Show.
“West Ham have been in form, Nottingham Forest pick up results here and there.
“You can’t think that they’re not in a relegation battle where they are.
I think they’ll definitely be looking over their shoulders.”Captain Cristian Romero was sent off in the first half at Old Trafford for a late lunge on Casemiro, his sixth dismissal in a Spurs shirt.
“I can see why it’s been given but I think it’s a little bit harsh,” said Rooney.
“Sometimes you lose your head at times. And I think he’s done that throughout his time at Tottenham.”
It came days after Romero’s social media post which seemed to criticise the people who run the club when he said it was “disgraceful” they only had 11 fit players for a 2-2 draw with Manchester City.
“What doesn’t help is comments in the week before about the lack of players Tottenham have,” added Rooney.
“He clearly speaks his mind as well. But unfortunately, you’ve got to go and back that up with performances when you’re vocal like that – and I don’t think he’s done that. All that’s going to do is bring more pressure on Thomas Frank.”
Rooney has sympathy for Frank, who managed Brentford for seven years before moving across London last summer to replace Postecoglou.
“I feel for Thomas Frank because he looks tired, he looks like he’s aged 10 years,” he said.
“That’s what that Tottenham job has done to him in a short period of time. I hope they stick with him because he’s fantastic manager, but I think it’s going be very difficult for them to do that.
“And you don’t need your captain going out getting sent off on a regular basis or being as vocal as he was this week.”
Snooker legend and BBC commentator John Virgo has died, aged 79.
Virgo enjoyed an 18-year professional career, winning the UK Championship and reaching the semi-finals of the World Championship in 1979.
He is perhaps best known for his post-playing career, presenting popular snooker TV show Big Break alongside comedian Jim Davidson from 1991 to 2002.
Following his retirement from playing in 1994, Virgo became a BBC commentator.
His last commentary for the BBC came 17 days ago when Kyren Wilson beat John Higgins in the Masters final.
Virgo was a popular commentator, with his famous “where’s the cue ball going?” catchphrase when a player was close to committing a foul.
Players and officials held a minute’s silence at the World Grand Prix in Hong Kong on Wednesday.
Seven-time world champion Ronnie O’Sullivan said: “Finished my match to get the news that JV has passed away.
“Such a great mate who I loved spending time with. Absolutely gutted.”
Four-time world champion Mark Selby said: “So sad to hear the news of the passing of John Virgo! Such a great guy and a huge character! He will be greatly missed! RIP JV.”
Former world champion Shaun Murphy, who worked alongside Virgo for the BBC, said: “I first met John in 1994, filming Junior Big Break. He then went on to become a friend and colleague.
“I learned so much from him whilst sharing a commentary box. The voice of snooker will be sadly missed.”
Virgo regularly took part in exhibition matches, playing trick shots and performing impressions of other players.
Former world champion Neil Robertson said: “He was a great character and an amazing pundit and commentator.
“I had the pleasure of sharing the booth with him during the World Championship a couple of years ago in which I got a huge appreciation for how good he was.”
A World Snooker statement read: “Everyone at the World Snooker Tour is deeply saddened to learn of the passing of legendary snooker player and broadcaster John Virgo.”
Former world number three Neal Foulds said: “Terribly sad news that we have lost one of the greats of snooker in John Virgo.
“JV was incredibly generous, kind and funny. He was also a wonderful player and commentator. Thanks for all the great memories JV.”
Virgo, who was born in Salford in 1946, is survived by wife Rosie and children Gary and Brooke-Leah.
John was a tremendous competitor and a very good break-builder – brilliant among the pink and black. He knew the game inside and out and backwards.
Then he transcended the sport and went into the commentary box. He did Big Break with Jim Davidson, so he became a household name to everybody.
It was that voice which was very different to everyone else and made him stand out.
You could have a right laugh with him – he loved a joke.
He had a really good act and he did impersonations of Alex Higgins, Terry Griffiths, Cliff Thorburn – and they all loved it.
It was unusual for someone to do that at the end of an exhibition, but he was absolutely brilliant at it.
I’m sure when we give him a tribute at the Crucible [for the World Championship in April] they will show his impressive routine, which is just hilarious.
He was a brilliant character.
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