Sports
2015 AFCON: No Regrets Losing To Cote d’ Ivoire -Gyan
Ghana’s Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan, said he did not regret his team’s loss to Cote d’Ivoire in the final of Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.
The Stars lost 8-9 on penalties to the Ivorians after a barren draw in 120 minutes.
Gyan, who was replaced just before the shootout with Emmanuel Badu, told a post-match press conference in Bata that he had to support his colleagues from the bench during the gruelling penalties.
He said, “being outside, I had to support my colleagues. We were leading 2-0 and Cote d’Ivoire came back and they won. We had an edge to win but that’s football.
“I don’t regret our performance. Cote d’Ivoire has lost twice on penalties, 2006 and 2012, and this was their third time and they won it.
‘’I am sad at the moment; we lost today (Sunday) but it is not over yet.’’
He said that his side was hoping to make history by winning the cup, but regretted that ‘’it did not happen.’’
Gyan added that he did not watch the 1992 final between the Stars and the Ivorians, who also won the encounter on penalties.
His coach, Avram Grant, showered praises on his team in spite of the loss, saying, “I am so proud of my team.
“They always make me happy; to reach the final is a big achievement. The players have shown a lot of good things at this tournament.
“We were the better side against a team that has some of the best players around.
‘’It was down to penalties and the opponent scored one more than us. Every Ghanaian can be proud of this team,’’ he said.
L-R: Ivory Coast skipper, Yaya Toure, CAFPresident, Issa Hayatou, Equatorial Guinea President and FIFA President during the trophy presentation ceremony of the 2015 AFCON last Sunday
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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