Sports
Libya Overcomes E’ Guinea 3-0
Equatorial Guinea was beaten 3-0 by Libya in their first 2018 CAF African Nations Championship, Group C match at Stade Ibn Batouta on Monday.
Two goals from Taher Saeid and one from Zakaria Alharash ensured the Libyans are off to a bright start.
Equatorial Guinea’s Oscar Eyama was called to make a fine save in the seventh minute when he collected a header from the near post.
Libya scored in the 11th minute when Saeid pounced on a cross from the left flank, making it 1-0 for the Mediterranean Knights.
Taher would complete his brace six minutes later with a free header in the box as he converted a delivery from the right with ease to beat Eyama, 2-0.
Both camps struggled for dominance beyond the half-hour mark as Equatorial Guinea rectified their errors at the back.
Coach Omar El-Maryami’s men went to the tunnel leading 2-0 with their keeper Nashnush not bothered in the opening 45 minutes.
Libya continued their dominance in the final third as they probed for a third goal I’m the second half.
Despite their resilience, the Nzalang Nacional opened at the back in the last three minutes as Libya scored the third goal allowing Zakaria Alharash to easily slot a cross from the left wing.
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.