Sports
CAF Official Thrown Out Of AAG
An official of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Samson Adams, was earlier this week dismissed from the ongoing All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, for interfering with a dope test.
Dr Leonardo Chavane, the Head, Anti-doping Unit of the Games, said that Adams was dismissed for interfering with the activities of his unit in the match between Senegal and Uganda.
Chavane said that Adams’ action was viewed seriously by the Disciplinary Committee of the Games, which withdrew his accreditation.
“His accreditation for the Games was withdrawn for interfering with the collection of the sample of a Ugandan player during Uganda’s match against Senegal,’’ he said.
Chavane, the Deputy Director, Ministry of Health, Mozambique, explained that the Ugandan player, who did not submit his urine sample for test, was also given a one-match ban by the Games’ disciplinary committee.
He added that the Ugandan team manager and coach were also warned.
The head of the doping unit said that no results so far released out of the 120 samples taken from the athletes had returned positive for banned substances.
He said that 120 samples were taken randomly for testing and that of the 30 so far returned, none tested positive.
“We are expecting some more results, but so far the athletes have been clean.
“Forty eight hours is usually the period within which we process the samples collected and review the results that are returned to us,’’ the anti-doping unit chief said.
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.
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business20 hours agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business20 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers20 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
Business20 hours agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers20 hours agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta