Sports
Nyom, Matip Will Regret Missing AFCON -Diouf
Former Senegal international striker El Hadji Diouf believes Cameroon’s Allan Nyom and Joel Matip will regret turning their country down.
The Senegalese legend told the BBC website that the pair will rue missing the 2017 CAF Africa Cup of Nations and should have listened to one of Bob Marley’s songs.
Diouf was speaking after the Indomitable Lions managed to reach final of the tournament despite West Brom’s Nyom and Liverpool’s Matip being among eight players to refuse call-ups.
“I don’t understand people turning down their country,” Diouf told BBC World Service.
“And like the legend Bob Marley always said ‘if you don’t know where you come from, you don’t know where to go’.”
The Indomitable Lions defeated the Black Stars 2-0 in the semifinal in Gabon and trumphed 2 – 1 in the final meeting with Egypt on Sunday.
Diouf, who played for seven British clubs including Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers and Blackburn Rovers, featured in the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations final for Senegal, as well as the World Cup later that year.
“Definitely they’ll regret not playing in the Cup of Nations. After your career, what are you going to do? Stay living in Europe? To do what?” adds the legend.
“It’s always tough to be African, because you can be the best African coach but they’ll never give you Paris St Germain (PSG), Barcelona, Liverpool or Manchester United.
“That’s why I say to all the boys: don’t turn down your country because the future of this world is in Africa.”
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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