Sports
Doumbia Open To CSKA Moscow Return
Seydou Doumbia has not
ruled out a return to the CSKA Moscow following what was a disastrous stint at Newcastle United.
The 28-year-old spent the second half of the 2015-16 season on loan at the magpies, but could only manage a grand total of 29 Barclays Premier League minutes as Newcastle ultimately suffered relegation back to the Championship.
Doumbia joined Roma on a four-and-a-half-year deal at the culmination of the 2015 African Cup of Nations, but having failed to impress he was loaned back to CSKA Moscow.
He showed glimpses of his old self in the Russian capital, scoring 11 goals in 21 appearances – prompting a move to Tyneside.
Doumbia insists his decision to join Newcastle was not a mistake.
“It wasn’t a mistake moving to England,” Doumbia told our source. “It was certainly an interesting experience, even if it wasn’t positive. Of course it didn’t go exactly how I would have liked it to but in football, like in life, every experience is useful.
“I was not in bad shape, but it just didn’t look like I was part of Rafa Benitez’s plans. But I cannot complain. The coach makes the choices he feels are right.”
The Ivory Coast international is now eager to prove himself in Rome, but if he fails to convince the Serie A side of his worth, Doumbia is open to the idea of returning to Russia.
“As you know, I’m still contracted to Roma,” he continued. “I hope to be in top form come the start of the season. I’m motivated and I want to play. Certainly I’m in good shape, even if I hardly played at Newcastle – I still trained all the time.”
“Why should I rule out returning to CSKA? They are a big club and I had some great moments in Moscow. I’m very grateful to the club and the team and I still have a lot of friends there whom I will definitely go visit.”
Doumbia has scored an astonishing 95 goals in 150 appearances across all competitions for CSKA Moscow.
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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