Sports
Zambia Continues Slide Down FIFA Rankings
Zambia’s slide down the FIFA rankings has continued with the Chipolopolo dropping nine places this month.
According to the April world rankings released last week, the 2012 African champions are now no better than 45th.
Although Herve Renard’s side are still in Africa’s top 10, they have gone downhill since winning the Nations Cup.
Alarm bells have been ringing in their camp since the 1-1 against Lesotho in a 2014 World Cup qualifier on 24 March.
South Africa have dropped two places to 62nd globally, despite their World Cup qualifying win against Central African Republic last month.
Former African champions Cameroon are languishing in 60th place, and only just made the African top 10.
Ivory Coast continue to rule the roost on the continent and sit just two places outside the world’s top 10.
Ghana’s Black Stars and the Eagles of Mali maintained second and third place respectively while Tunisia leap-frogged Zambia into sixth spot.
Equatorial Guinea rose 45 places to 59th in the world after beating Cape Verde 4-3 in a World Cup qualifier, but could be docked three World Cup points and the ranking points if Fifa finds them guilty of fielding an ineligible player.
World and European champions Spain lead an unchanged top three, with Germany and Argentina in second and third respectively.
Incredibly, Brazil are now just the 19th best team in the world, according to the latest rankings.
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.