Sports
Usm Alger Overruns Young Africans 3-0
Tanzania’s Young Africans received a harsh schooling from USM Alger with the Algerian team running out comfortable 3-0 winners in their CAF Confederations Cup, Group D match at the Stade du 5 Juillet on Sunday night.
It was the perfect start for the home side who opened the scoring after only four minutes when Oussama Darfalou found the back of the net with a clinical finish from just inside the box, 1-0.
USM Alger continued to assert their dominance after that and doubled their lead in the 33rd minute after a swift passing move was concluded with Farouk Chafai tucking the ball home, 2-0.
The Young Africans, who saw very little of the ball, tried to find their way back into the match before break but were unable to do so and entered the tunnel at half time trailing by two goals.
Ten minutes into the second half USM Alger reasserted their superiority when they found their third goal courtesy of a strike from Abderrahmane Meziane, 3-0.
The Algerian side took their foot off the pedal after that but continued to control the possession stakes as they closed the game out quite comfortably.
The other Group D match on Sunday night saw Rayon Sports and Gor Mahia play to a 1-1 draw.
The result for the Young Africans leaves them bottom of the group standings while USM Alger sit at the top after one round of fixtures.
USM Alger are next in action in Group D of the CAF Confederations Cup on Wednesday, May 16th away to Got Mahia while Young Africans will host Rayon Sports on the same day.
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.