Sports
Algeria Hopes For Early Preparations
Algeria’s coach, Rabah Saadane is hoping for early preparations for his team ahead of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010.
The Desert Foxes have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Angola, Mali and Malawi for the 27th edition of the continental showpiece soccer event and Saadane, believes early preparations will largely point to a positive outing at the January 10 – January 31, 2010 championship.
”Now that the draw has been made and we know our opponents in the competition, we can outline a programme for the competition. In this regard, I would say that our preparations will begin as early as possible,” the veteran trainer said on television channel, Al Jazeera Sport.
The 63-year old trainer, having his fifth stint with the national team cited the inadequate time frame from now till the championship as the raison d’etre for his choice of early preparations.
But with a greater percentage of the Desert Foxes players playing outside Algeria, it is very unlikely that Saadane may have the core of his team for the early preparations he is envisaging for.
However, the former Setif Entente and Raja Casablanca trainer remains optimistic about the chances of his side, which are making a return to the biennial championship after missing out on the 2006 and 2008 editions in Egypt and Ghana respectively.
“I am satisfied with the draw. It’s a good group compared to Cote d’Ivoire’s or Cameroon’s, which are both very difficult. I think we have a very good chance to advance to the quarter-finals.
“But we can’t afford to underestimate our opponents. We have great respect for the other teams in our group and will treat all games equally.”
Algeria are one of Africa’s representatives for next year’s World Cup in South Africa, and Saadane is convinced that the continental event will serve a major form of preparation for his team ahead of the Mundial.
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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