Connect with us

Nigeria News (Standard)

Onyali Backs Anambra’s Miracle Ezechukwu for Medal Push at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Ex-Olympian urges Athletics Federation of Nigeria to give young sprinter a chance after U-18 gold in Abeokuta

Published

3 months ago

on

Ex-Olympian urges Athletics Federation of Nigeria to give young sprinter a chance after U-18 gold in Abeokuta

Former African sprint champion and Olympian, Mary Onyali, has thrown her weight behind home-based athlete Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu as a strong medal contender for Nigeria at the upcoming 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Onyali made the call on Wednesday, urging the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to provide Ezechukwu with an opportunity to represent the country on the global stage.

Ezechukwu, who was among those invited to the national camp by AFN, rose to prominence after an outstanding performance at the last National Sports Festival held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, in 2025. She clinched gold in the girls’ 100m U-18 final at the third combined African U18/U20 Championships, clocking 11.88 seconds and leading a clean sweep for Team Nigeria. Rosemary Nwankwo, also from Anambra State and captain of the Invited Junior Athletes (IJA) Team at the festival, finished second with 11.96 seconds while Miriam Jegede took bronze with 12.20 seconds.

Both Miracle Ezechukwu and Rosemary Nwankwo hail from Anambra State and share roots in Mbaukwu village—the same community that produced Onyali herself. The duo began their athletics careers together in 2019 as part of Team Anambra at that year’s National Youth Games in Ilorin, Kwara State, marking their entry into national sports.

Onyali noted that Ezechukwu’s steady progress is a testament to Nigeria’s grassroots sports development efforts. “Miracle has shown she can compete at top level if given proper support,” Onyali said while speaking about her expectations for Glasgow. The AFN has yet to announce its final squad selection but is expected to focus on homegrown talents who have excelled locally and internationally.

Ezechukwu currently represents N-Youth Sports Academy in Abuja and has been part of Team Nigeria’s international relay squads, including recent appearances at the World Relays in Botswana. With her current form and track record, stakeholders say she could be a key addition to Nigeria’s medal hopes when athletics events begin in Glasgow later this year.

Source: https://guardian.ng/sport/let-our-miracle-flow-in-glasgow-onyali/

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Nigeria News (Standard)

Delta Police Arrest Two Suspected Cable Vandals in Ndokwa West

One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

Published

3 months ago

on

June 27, 2026

By

One suspect hospitalised after attempted escape as police recover stolen electric cables along Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road

Operatives of the Delta State Police Command have arrested two individuals suspected of vandalising electric cables in Ndokwa West Local Government Area on Tuesday, 25 June. The suspects were apprehended around 10:30pm along the Ibabu–Ugiliamai Road following a joint operation involving officers from Kwale Police Station and members of the local vigilante group.

According to a statement issued by Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, the security team acted swiftly on credible intelligence that some persons were removing and stealing electric cables in the area. Upon sighting law enforcement, the suspects attempted to flee the scene, resulting in one of them sustaining injuries during the pursuit. The injured suspect is currently receiving medical attention, while the other is in police custody.

Cable vandalism has become a significant concern in Delta State and across Nigeria, often leading to prolonged power outages and financial losses for communities. The state government has repeatedly called for increased vigilance by residents and closer collaboration with security agencies to combat such crimes.

SP Edafe stated that investigations are ongoing to determine if other individuals are involved in the syndicate. “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely information that can help us protect public infrastructure,” Edafe said in Thursday’s press release.

The police command assured residents that efforts will be intensified to prevent further incidents of cable theft in Ndokwa West and neighbouring communities. Authorities also reminded residents that anyone found engaging in vandalism or aiding such activities would face prosecution according to Nigerian law.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/delta-police-arrest-two-suspected-cable-vandals/

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Trump Claims US Military Strikes in Borno Prevented Mass Killing of Christians by ISWAP

Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

Published

3 months ago

on

June 27, 2026

By

Former US president says American intervention curbed attacks; Nigerian government yet to issue official response

Former United States President Donald Trump has stated that military strikes authorised by his administration in Borno State helped prevent the mass killing of Christians by militants linked to Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Trump made this assertion on Friday during an event held in Washington, where he defended his decision to target terrorist groups operating in Nigeria’s North-East region.

According to Trump, the US military operations significantly reduced attacks on Christian communities in Borno and neighbouring states, which had been facing repeated assaults from ISWAP fighters. He said, “As you know, we recently struck Nigeria and largely ended the slaughter of great Christian populations. They have a great Christian population. They were being butchered—thousands and thousands of people were being killed, children, women, old people, just being slaughtered, hacked to death.”

Trump added that the American intervention sent a strong warning to the militants responsible for these attacks. He claimed the strikes discouraged further violence against religious minorities in the region. The former president did not provide specific details regarding the timing or scale of the US operations referenced.

The Nigerian government and security agencies are yet to release any official statement confirming the reported strikes or commenting on Trump’s claims as at press time. In previous years, Borno State and other parts of North-East Nigeria have witnessed repeated attacks targeting both Muslim and Christian communities by various armed groups, including ISWAP and Boko Haram.

Security analysts say international military cooperation is often conducted discreetly and that foreign involvement in counter-insurgency operations can carry both diplomatic and security implications for Nigeria. The opposition could not be immediately reached for comment regarding Trump’s statements.

Source: https://guardian.ng/news/nigeria/national/us-strikes-in-nigeria-prevented-mass-killing-of-christians-trump/

Continue Reading

Nigeria News (Standard)

Former Super Eagles Coach Adegboye Onigbinde Laid to Rest in Modakeke, Osun State

Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

Published

3 months ago

on

June 27, 2026

By

Onigbinde, who led Nigeria to the 2002 FIFA World Cup, remembered for his legacy in Nigerian football

Adegboye Onigbinde, the former head coach of the Super Eagles, was buried on Saturday in Modakeke, Osun State. The burial ceremony drew family members, friends, and football stakeholders who came together to pay their last respects to the veteran tactician.

Onigbinde’s funeral was held at his hometown of Modakeke, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected football coaches. Attendees described him as a disciplinarian and a mentor whose contribution to Nigerian football development spanned decades. Many local residents and members of the football community gathered to honour his memory.

Onigbinde rose to national prominence when he managed the Super Eagles at the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He is credited with nurturing young talent and promoting professionalism in Nigerian football. His death is considered a significant loss by many in the sports fraternity, particularly those from Osun State and across the South-West geopolitical zone.

Though details of official statements were not available at press time, tributes have continued to pour in from fans and former players who worked with Onigbinde during his long career. They praised his dedication and commitment to raising the profile of Nigerian football on the world stage.

As Nigerians reflect on Onigbinde’s enduring legacy, sports analysts note that his impact will continue through coaches and players he mentored over the years. The Nigerian Football Federation is expected to organise further commemorative events in honour of his service.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/sports/football/891151-former-super-eagles-coach-adegboye-onigbinde-buried-in-modakeke.html

Continue Reading