Sports
Davids Wants Action Against Racism
Former Juventus
midfielder Edgar Davids believes racism is not spoken about enough, following the latest case of abuse in Spanish football.
On Sunday, Levante midfielder Papakouli Diop was involved in an angry exchange with Atletico Madrid fans, who the Senegal international claimed made monkey gestures and noises towards him.
Diop kicked the ball into the crowd after the final whistle, as he was ready to take a corner in front of Atleti fans, and after the match said racism ‘happens at all stadiums’ in La Liga and must be ‘stopped now’.
Davids, who was born in the South American country of Suriname, said ‘education is pivotal’ in ending racism but argued society needs to be brave and discuss the issue of bigotry more.
“I always advocate against racism,” the 41-year-old former Netherlands international said on Monday.
“Education is pivotal around the world. I think we don’t speak enough about it.”
Diop’s outburst came just a week after bananas were thrown at Barcelona full-back Dani Alves, which has sparked a wave of criticism regarding racism in Spanish football.
Davids, who was speaking in Turin, said Italy has ‘taken a couple of steps forward against racism’ but speculated that a tradition of bigotry against black players could have cost the country more talented players.
“A player like (Mario) Balotelli emerged because he’s quality, that’s for sure,” Davids said.
“You never know, though, with the other black players who are not as talented what happens in the lower ranks. I don’t know and don’t want to talk about it.”
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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