Sports
Malawi Returns To Kamuzu Stadium
Fifa has given Malawi the all-clear to play their forthcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Namibia and Kenya at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre.
The Football Association of Malawi (Fam) were given the go ahead to use the venue by Fifa following a visit by an inspection team last week.
The government closed the stadium last August due to safety and security fears.
Repairs have since been carried out at the stadium and it has hosted several club matches.
Malawi’s interim coach Edington Ng’onamo had suggested that Fam ask Fifa if the Kamuzu Stadium could be re-opened for international games.
“In recent years Malawi has done well using the artificial turf at Kamuzu stadium and so we feel Malawi stand a better chance of winning against Namibia and Kenya in June if the games are played in Blantyre,” he explained.
“Our players are more used to the artificial turf than any other pitch in the country and at the same time our opponents struggle at the Kamuzu Stadium due to the nature of the pitch.
“Technically I noted that Malawi struggled in their last home match in October last year at Civo Stadium against Ghana during the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final qualification match. No wonder the Black Stars won the game.”
Fam general secretary, Suzgo Nyirenda explained the issues which forced the closure of the stadium had been taken care of by the Malawi government, which has cordoned off the affected stands and reduced its capacity further.
“Our top local sides Big Bullets and Mighty Wanderers have played at the Kamuzu Stadium since it reopened with no incidents,” he explained.
“All we need now is to tighten safety and security during matches”.
Of the 15 matches Malawi have played at Kamuzu Stadium since 2008, they have won 11 drawn twice and lost just twice.
The Flames, who only trail Nigeria on goal difference in Group F of the World Cup qualifiers, host Namibia on 5 June before taking on Kenya a week later in the race to reach Brazil in 2014.
Fam has also announced that Malawi will tune up for those World Cup qualifiers with a friendly against Zimbabwe at the Kamuzu Stadium on 25 May.
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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