Sports
Ghana Rues Loss Of Concentration Against USA
Ghana coach Kwesi
Appiah bemoaned ‘loss of concentration’ for his team’s 2-1 loss to the United States in Natal on Monday.
The USA scored in the first and 86th minutes to triumph at the Arena das Dunas, as Ghana missed out on points despite Andre Ayew’s equaliser with eight minutes remaining.
Clint Dempsey gave the USA the lead when he burst onto Jermaine Jones’ pass, cut inside John Boye and slotted home the opening goal after just 29 seconds, while the Americans claimed victory with John Brooks’ header in the closing stages after he got away from the same Ghanaian defender to power a corner into the net.
Appiah’s men dominated the Group G fixture at the FIFA World Cup with 456 passes to the Americans’ 276, while Ghana had 21 shots to eight but lacked the defensive composure to get a result.
“I think that early goal was a disaster, it was unfortunate,” Appiah said post-match.
“Loss of concentration cost us big time. All I can say is that it was a very tough game and when you play at this high level any little mistake can cost you dearly.
“We had a lot of the ball and created a lot of chances, but we didn’t make the most of our chances, but USA took theirs.”
Ghana had advanced from their groups at each of their previous World Cup appearances; reaching the round of 16 in Germany eight years ago and the quarter-finals in South Africa in 2010.
But having lost their opening game in Brazil, a round of 16 berth looks unlikely for Ghana, considering only 8.6 per cent of teams that have suffered defeat in their first group game over the past four tournaments have managed to advance.
Appiah was well aware of the enormity of his team’s challenge, as he looked ahead to fixtures against Germany and Portugal.
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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