Sports
Stevanovic Questions Black Stars’ Discipline
Ghana coach,Goran Stevanovic has questioned his side’s discipline, admitting he may not “know [his] players very well”.
The Black Stars, who finished fourth at the Africa Cup of Nations 7 saw captain John Mensah suspended after being sent off in their opening game.
They were also without Derek Boateng and John Boye for their 2-0 third place play-off defeat to Mali.
“I don’t know why in every game we had one sending off,” Stevanovic said.
“I’m sure that the people are not satisfied with fourth position, but I’m sure they are satisfied with the way we played”
“Maybe I didn’t know my players very well.
“We finished in fourth position, but it’s very strange that we always play with one player less.
“I don’t know what’s happened.”
Ghana also went into the competition with defender Isaac Vorsah suspended for the first two games and saw several players struggle for fitness.
Mensah’s return to the team after serving his suspension was hampered by injury and striker Asamoah Gyan struggled to shake off a pre-tournament hamstring strain.
“During the competition we had a lot of problems with injury, with red cards, two yellows for John Boye, maybe this is the problem,” Stevanovic told Tidesports source.
The Serbian coach said he would leave the decision on his future to the Ghana Football Association (GF A), but admitted that Black Stars fans would not have been happy to see Ghana finish fourth in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
“We need to make an analysis, calmly. I leave everything in the hands of the GFA.
“I have more time on my contract. I feel good here and I want to continue, because we’re building a strong team for the future.
“I’m sure that the people are not satisfied with fourth position, but I’m sure they are satisfied with the way we played. We dominated.
“I know how Ghana played before, and I know how we play now.”
Stevanovic was appointed in January of last year and promised, after taking the job, that he would deliver Ghana’s first Nations Cup trophy since 1982.
The former Partizan Belgrade boss has a year to run on his contract, which is due to take him up to the 2013 Nations Cup in South Africa.
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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