Sports
Rio: S’Africa’s Banyana, Sweden To Kick-Off Football Event
The South African women’s team, Banyana Banyana, will have the honour of participating in the first event at the 2016 Summer Olympics when they tackle Sweden today.
Banyana and the Swedes will face off at Estádio Olímpico João Havelange in Rio de Janeiro for a Group A clash, with kick-off at 18h00 CAT.
South Africa secured their place at the Olympics (for the second successive time) by coming through three qualifying rounds in the CAF preliminaries. They overcame Gabon, Kenya and Equatorial Guinea to secure a place at the Games.
Vera Pauw’s side will be looking for an improved showing compared to their 2012 debut, when they finished bottom of their group in London after losses to Sweden and Candada, as well as a goalless draw with Japan.
Just as four years ago, Banyana open their campaign with a clash against the Swedes, who are making their sixth appearance at the Olympics and joined France and Germany as the three European qualifiers.
It is crucial that South Africa does not suffer a repeat of their 4-1 loss to Sweden in Coventry, but Banyana captain Janine Van Wyk believes they are far better prepared this time around.
We have been meeting these girls [the Sweden team] up and down the elevator, and thinking that those are the opponents we will be facing,” Van Wyk told SAFA Media.
“We also were thinking that in 2012 in London it was our opening match against them and that the result was not what we expected, makes it a game that is unforgettable.
“When people ask me today who was the toughest opponent we have ever faced, it would be Sweden who beat us 4-1 in 2012 and we were not well prepared.
“This time around we are looking forward to the match and going for it as best as we can, with the team high on confidence in ourselves as a group.
“I think we are really capable of getting a good result if we just stick together and work on the aspects we have been working on for the past eight months.
“This game will give us a lot of confidence going forward if we get a good result – so we are really looking forward to as it means a lot to us, probably one of the most important matches of the tournament to get a good start for ourselves.”
The other Group A match sees hosts Brazil tackle China at the same venue an hour after the Banyana game finishes.
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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