Sports
Spurs’Bentaleb Commits Future To Algeria
Algeria’s World Cup
hopes have been boosted after Tottenham Hotspur’s Nabil Bentaleb pledged his international future to the North Africans.
The midfielder, 19, had played for France at junior level but can switch allegiances under Fifa rules.
Algeria has named him in their squad for the March friendly with Slovenia.
“Football Federation (FAF) president Mohamed Raouraoua met with (Bentaleb), who agreed to play for the country of his parents,” read a FAF statement.
“Bentaleb will be called up for the next phase of the national team’s preparations on 1 March, ahead of the match against Slovenia on 5 March in Blida.”
Bentaleb was little-known to most Premier League followers until Tim Sherwood replaced Andre Villas-Boas as Tottenham manager in the run-up to Christmas.
He made his Premier League debut as a substitute in Sherwood’s first game in charge, a 3-2 victory at Southampton.
After two more substitute appearances in the league, Bentaleb’s full debut came in the FA Cup loss at Arsenal and the central midfielder has played every minute of every Spurs match since.
Algeria will contest Group H at this year’s World Cup where they will face Belgium, South Korea and Russia.
The Desert Foxes competed at the 2010 finals in South Africa, drawing 0-0 with England and losing their other two group games 1-0 to Slovenia and the United States.
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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