Sports
I’m Proud Of My Team – Burkina Faso Coach
Burkina Faso Coach, Paul Put said on Monday that he was proud of his team’s performance in spite of losing 0-1 to Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Sunday.
Put told newsmen in Johannesburg, South Africa after the final of the Africa Cup of Nations tournament, that his team maintained tactical discipline, but lost because it played against a better side.
He said his team gave the Nigerian team a lot of respect, hence its below per display in the first half of the encounter.
He said in spite of the loss, the team was happy with the support it received from the South African fans during the tournament.
“I am very happy, I am proud also that we won the hearts of the South African people because their hospitality was great, they have been supporting us.
“I think, because, the way we have been playing, the way we have been acting, it was appreciated by the local people.
“So, this is very important for football – to win the hearts of the supporters; and I think we have done greatly in this tournament because nobody expected Burkina Faso to go so far and I am very proud of the players; I am very proud of what we did in this tournament.”
Put said he never expected that his team would get to the finals of the tournament.
“Sometimes you have to be brave; sometimes it is very important as a coach to work on the psychology side. So, I told the players that if you can pass the first round, I am sure we can play in the semi-finals.
“We played the semi-final, and I said we have nothing to lose. I am happy we are the second best in Africa.”
He said he would still be with the Burkina Faso team to put them into a formidable side.
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News15 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Nation17 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
Business5 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News15 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers5 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
News15 hours agoArmy Foils Cattle Rustling, Kills Terrorists In Benue …Rescues Two Kidnapped Bank Staff
-
Nation17 hours agoOgoni Mangrove Wetlands Gain International Recognition As Ramsar Site