Sports
No Major Shocks In CAF Champion League
There were no major
shocks in this past weekend action in both the CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup, with most of the so-called big guns putting themselves in a strong position to advance into the next phase of the continental competitions.
In the top-tier Champions League, current title holders TP Mazembe opened the defence of their crown with a 2-2 draw away to Kedus Giorgis of Ethiopia, while Egyptian giants Al Ahly also drew away from home, being held to a goalless draw at Angola’s Recreativo do Libolo.
Other notable results saw Wydad Casablanca crush CNaPS Sports 5-1 at home, Enyimba defeated Vital’O by the same score and Sudan giants Al Hilal and Al Merreikh had differing results away from home, with the former losing 1-0 to Libya’s Al Ahli Tripoli, while the latter claimed a 1-0 win at Nigeria’s Warri Wolves.
Zamalek look to be on course for the second round with a 1-0 away win at Cameroon’s Union Douala, while the likes of Stade Malien, Young Africans and Zesco United have also put themselves on the right path to secure progression.
South African sides Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs also had diverse fortunes: the Brazilians beat Congo side AC Leopards 2-0 at home, while the Amakhosi slumped to a 1-0 loss at home to ASEC Mimosas.
In the Confederation Cup, ENPPI, Azam FC, CF Mounana, SC Villa, Zanaco, Esperance and Kawkab Marrakech claimed emphatic victories to put them in powerful positions to advance into the next round, while the remainder of the ties appear to be very much in the balance.
The second leg clashes for both the Champions League and Confederation Cup will be played on the weekend of March 18-20.
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News15 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Nation17 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
Business5 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News15 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers4 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
News15 hours agoArmy Foils Cattle Rustling, Kills Terrorists In Benue …Rescues Two Kidnapped Bank Staff
-
Nation17 hours agoOgoni Mangrove Wetlands Gain International Recognition As Ramsar Site