Sports
North Africa Dominates CAF Champions League
There were plenty of
surprises in the weekend’s CAF Champions League action as North African teams stole the show.
All nine clubs from North Africa made it into the first round of qualifying and all of them advanced to the round of the last 16.
Overall, clubs from the North recorded seven wins, one draw and one defeat over the weekend. Moghreb Tetouan’s 2-1 defeat at Kano Pillars of Nigeria still made no difference as they had a 4-0 lead from the first leg.
Next on the agenda is the Round of 16 phase where clubs will go through one more round of home-and-away fixtures to cut the field down to eight. At this point the teams will be split into two groups as we approach November’s two-legged final.
In one of the big surprises of the weekend, Alexandria-based Smouha overturned a 1-0 defeat from their first leg in Aba against Enyimba to knock the Nigerians out with a 2-0 victory.
Hani Al Egeizi netted a penalty in the 81st minute and Hermann Kouao found a winner in the last minute of the game to send the Egyptians through against an Enyimba side who had a man sent off.
Another surprise result saw DRC club Sanga Balende beat Cameroon giants Coton Sport 2-0. The last time Sanga Balende competed in the showpiece event, they stormed off the pitch in the 55th minute of their first round qualifier in Libreville against FC 105 in protest against the officiating.
They beat Angolan club Recreativo do Libolo in the preliminary round before coming up against Cameroon’s Coton Sport. After playing to a goalless draw in the first leg, goals by Kabamba Mukundji and Badibake Mpongo gave them a place in the final round of qualifying.
Meanwhile South Africa have crashed out the Champions League as both Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns lost on the road. Sundowns, who won their first leg against former champions TP Mazembe 1-0, were beaten 3-1 in Lubumbashi and crashed out 3-2 on aggregate. Rainford Kalaba, Mbwana Samatta and Roger Assale scored for Mazembe while Percy Tau pulled one back late in the game for the South Africans.
In Morocco Nigerian striker Christian Osaguona scored two late goals for Raja Casablanca in their game to ensure a 2-0 victory against Kaizer Chiefs to add to their 1-0 win from the first leg.
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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