Sports
2010 W/Cup: Bafana Bafana Draw 1-1 With Mexico In Opener …France, Uruguay, 1-1
2010 World Cup hosts, South Africa yesterday at the Sports City, Johanesbourg were denied the maximum points in the opening match of Group A of the mundial, when Mexico Captain, Rafael Marquez equalised late into the opening match of the first World Cup on African continent.
Bafana Bafana had sent the packed stadium into delirium when Tshabalala scored the opening goal in the second half to give the hosts an unlikely lead.
The home fans were looking forward to a dream start to the competition with a victory but Marquez’s equaliser ensured the two teams shared the stakes.
However, the result kept faith with the host nation record of not losing an opening match in the history of the mundial.
Indeed, the South Africans, who came short of the upright post from claiming all the three points, must count themselves lucky to have escaped with the draw after the referees disallowed what seemed to be a perfect goal for Mexico in the first half.
Overall, it was an impressive performance by Bafana Bafana, who came into the match gradually and tried to hold their own.
While Mexico’s Dos Santos was the pivot of their team, motivating most of their attacking moves, Bafana Bafana relied on their collective energy, the pace of Teko Modise and Mphela to keep the Mexican defence on their toes.
In the second match of the group, France and Uruguay also shared the points after a goalless encounter.
It was a tight match with little scoring chances that saw the highly rated sides failing to give the spectators a goal to celebrate.
All the teams in group A are now tied on one point apiece after the draw results, giving them equal opportunities for advancement for now.
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.