Sports
Ba Ready To Return To Senegal Team
Besiktas striker, Demba
Ba is hoping for an international recall, claiming he has been encouraged by discussions with new Senegal coach Aliou Cisse.
Ba has not represented Senegal since October 2014 and was dramatically left out of their 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squad after a public spat with former manager Alain Giresse.
The 29-year-old was highly critical of Giresse after the Frenchman claimed he was unfit to play in the tournament’s final qualifiers, an excuse Ba strongly refuted.
However, Cisse, who replaced Giresse early this month, spoke with Ba about returning to the international fold and the striker admits he is keen to return.
“I spoke to Aliou Cisse and I made it clear that my absence from the national team was not a self-imposed exile,” Ba told Tidesports source.
“I cannot reveal what was discussed but it was very encouraging and he was happy to know I am available for selection.”
Ba, formerly of Chelsea and Newcastle, has made an impact at Turkish side Besiktas and is their leading scorer this season. He insists he has never closed the door on a return to the Teranga Lions, saying the country is bigger than individuals.
“The coach made it clear that Senegal’s interest must always take precedence over personal interest.
“As gentlemen we both agreed that our country comes first and that’s what really matters,” Ba added.
Ba could make his return for Senegal against Ghana in a friendly on 28 March in the French city of Le Havre.
“I love serving my country and when I get a chance I will return to the national team, right now there is no problem.
“The mood is good and whatever happens from here, if it happens, would be fantastic.”
The new coach, Cisse, has been tasked with reviving the fortunes of Senegal after a disappointing Nations Cup campaign in Equatorial Guinea.
The 38-year-old Cisse, who won 35 international caps with the Teranga Lions, signed a four-year contract, to be reviewed after the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.
Cisse, who played for Birmingham City and Portsmouth between 2002 and 2006, brings experience of playing at the highest level with Senegal, having captained them at the 2002 World Cup where the team reached the quarter-finals.
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.