Sports
Williams Sisters, Federer March On In Tennis
American sisters, Serena and Venus Williams won their Olympic singles matches in straight sets at Wimbledon.
Serena beat Poland’s Urszula Radwanska 6-2 6-3 to reach the last 16, while Venus beat Italy’s French open finalist Sara Errani 6-3 6-1.
World number one Victoria Azarenka survived a mid-match blip to beat Irina-Camelia Begu of Romania winning 6-1 3-6 6-1 in the first round.
In the men’s singles, Roger Federer comfortably beat Julien Benneteau.
The world number one from Switzerland needed only 58 minutes to beat his French opponent 6-2 6-2.
Federer also secured a victory in the men’s doubles alongside playing partner Stanislas Wawrinka, beating Kei Nishikori and Go Soeda of Japan, 6-7 (5) 6-4 6-4.
Venus Williams, who won gold at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, will now play Canada’s Aleksandra Wozniak in the second round.
“I’m unseeded here and now I feel like I’m the number nine seed. Hopefully I’ll beat another seed and become their number,” she said.
“I fought so much to be here. I know there’s a lot of people happy to be here, but I’m not only happy to be here I want to do something about it, too, and play well for my country.”
Andy Roddick booked a second-round meeting with second seed Novak Djokovic after beating Slovakia’s Martin Klizan 7-5 6-4.
“We’re both comfortable with this venue so it will produce a good match,” said former world number one Roddick of his match with Djokovic.
“For me, it’s just an honour to be asked to play at the Olympics. I was happy when London got chosen. It’s a place that I know well and I know how to play here. All things combined, it is a great opportunity for me.”
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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