Sports
Nations Cup Failure:Minister Describes SAFA As Disgraceful
South Africa’s FA (Safa)
has been branded a ‘disgrace’ by Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula for its reaction to the failure to reach the Cup of Nations.
Safa had lodged a hasty formal appeal with Caf against the head-to-head system used to separate teams. Niger emerged shock winners of a group having finished level on points with South Africa and Sierra Leone.
Safa officials, players and coaches thought goal difference decided who finished first in the group.
Bafana Bafana players even celebrated by dancing after a 0-0 home draw with Sierra Leone believing South Africa had qualified for next year’s tournament.
Coach Pitso Mosimane admitted that he played for a draw as South Africa ground out a 0-0 result at home to Sierra Leone.
Mbalula slammed Safa’s reaction to the failure saying the lack of knowledge of the rules is inexcusable.
“It is unfortunate we misread the rules of the tournament and played for a draw. There is no way a national team can play to get a draw,” Mbalula said.
“National pride means the players must go out there and die for their country. This is a serious blunder. The rules are in black and white.
“I was surprised to hear one of the (Bafana) players arguing that Caf changes the rules after games.
“In other countries, people resign because of such failures. This is unacceptable.
“This is a national disgrace, we are not talking here about Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates but our national team. People came here wearing suits, saying ‘we are appealing’ (to Caf). “You can’t argue with Caf, they will put you in your right place.”
Caf regulations elevate head-to-head records above goal difference and these were taken into account after three teams finished on top of Group G with nine points: Niger, South Africa and Sierra Leone.
The 2012 Nations Cup Rules states that in case of equality of points between two or more teams, after all the group matches, the ranking of the teams shall be established according to the following criteria:
14.1 Greater number of points obtained in the matches between the concerned teams
• NIGER qualify after taking six points from their matches involving South Africa and Sierra Leone, while the latter duo could only tally five
Niger, who had never previously qualified for a Nations Cup, made history despite losing 3-0 in Egypt on Saturday thanks to Article 14.1 of Caf’s 2012 Nations Cup ruling.
This states that ‘in case of equality of points between two or more teams after all the group matches’, the greater number of points obtained in matches between the concerned teams shall be the first deciding factor.
Niger top that three-team mini league, with their six points one superior to the tally mustered by both South Africa and Sierra Leone.
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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