Sports
Broos Expects More From Cameroon
Cameroon won their fifth Africa Cup of Nations title recently in Gabon but coach Hugo Broos thinks there is still room for improvement.
Vincent Aboubakar’s excellent 88th-minute strike clinched a 2-1 victory for Cameroon, who had cancelled out Mohammed Elneny’s first-half opener through Nicolas N’Koulou’s header.
Broos’ preparation for the tournament was hampered by seven players, including Liverpool’s Joel Matip, turning down a place in the squad, while he has come in for criticism for deploying a number of young players.
But having claimed the tile, the Belgian felt vindicated and insisted his side can continue to grow and reach new levels.
Broos told a media conference: “it’s true that when I came to Cameroon a year ago I found a group of players who were not motivated so I had to change that.
“They were coming not to play for the national team but because they had to, because the coach asked them to come. So I changed the group a little bit and put some young payers in and we started working and doing a good job.
“We have a team that is still not on the highest level. We can be better, but I think it is only the beginning.
“I am happy for the group, for the players. This is not a group of football players, this is a group of friends. That’s why the players who are on the bench keep being motivated. Against Senegal, against Ghana and against Egypt, these players made the difference.
“What really matter to me is results. I am delighted that we have won this trophy. This shows we have worked well, especially during the last months.
“What I told people when I came to Cameroon was that people have to be patient and correct and fair.
“I have no problem when a journalist criticises my choices, but when you are criticising you have to be objective so I hope that now we have won the trophy, I hope our relationship) Broos and the media) will be correct”.
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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