Sports
Ghana Crashes Out, Despite Victory
Ghana did their part in the hopes of reaching the knockout rounds of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Germany, beating Switzerland 2-0 in Bochum. However, Group D winners, the USA bested Korea Republic in the other match in the section, sending both the pointless and goalless Swiss home along with the determined and stylish West Africans.
Ghana began the game in lively fashion with Florence Dadson getting hold of the ball in the first minute of play. She fired a chipped shot from near midfield that had the Swiss goalkeeper scrambling, but ended up sailing harmlessly over the bar.
The Swiss hauled themselves back into the game with Ana Crnogorcevic and Samira Susuri both going close, only to be denied by keeper Patricia Mantey and wayward finishing respectively. The Europeans looked the faster of the two teams as the first half wore on, but the Ghanaians were putting together some stylish passes and bossing midfield.
On 31 minutes, the Africans put their possession to work. Elizabeth Cudjoe’s free-kick from the left was volleyed home extravagantly by outstanding playmaker and captain Elizabeth Addo. Just 11 minutes later, they made it 2-0. Edem Atovor’s long pass picked out Cudjoe who slotted easily past Pascale Kueffer.
Ghana continued to dictate the patterns in the second period, but were unable to add to their lead. The Swiss kept the Ghanaian rearguard busy with some snappy countre-attacking, but in the end the game finished 2-0 for Ghana, who go out of the competition with four points from their three Group D games. The Swiss will be less buoyed by their time in Germany, picking up zero points from their clashes.
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.