Sports
S’Africa To Face Uphill Task: CAF U-23 Championship
South Africa’s national side will face an uphill battle at the CAF Under-23 Championship in Morocco if comments by Egypt coach Hany Ramzy are anything to go by.
The Young Pharaohs are in Group B with South Africa, Ivory Coast and Gabon, and the coach says all three of Egypt’s opponents are very gifted technically.
“Ivory Coast (whom South Africa-glug meet in their opening game yesterday are one of the strongest sides on the continent in this age-group and we’ve got reason to believe that South Africa are also very talented and play attractive football. Gabon beat the Zambians to get here and that was no easy feat,” Ramzy told Tidesports source.
“All three are strong sides and there’s not much difference between them. Moreover they all have a lot of Europe-based professionals.
“I expect it will be a very hard-fought tournament. All eight sides are looking to progress and qualify for London 2012. Moreover, they all play outstanding football, in particular Nigeria, who have a lot of experience at Olympic football tournaments.
“Morocco, of course, have the home advantage and Algeria are not far from home themselves.”
Egypt are favourites in Group B, based on their last two games where Ramzy’s side stood in for the Pharaohs’ senior side against Niger and Sierra Leone in the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and from which Bafana Bafana exited.
“We benefitted [from those two games] in terms of skill and fitness, not to mention the experience of travelling abroad, the nerves, and playing in front of a packed stadium.
“The 3-0 victory over Niger restored the team’s self-belief, especially since Niger ended up qualifying from that group. The matches will be tough but if we get off to a good start in the opening game against Gabon, it will be a huge boost for us.”
Ramzy is confident that his side has enough punch up-front to make an impact.
“We’ve got at least three forwards: Marwan Mohsen, who is Petrojet’s main striker, Ahmed Sherwida from Al Masry and Ali Afifi from Arab Contractors.
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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