Sports
Ghana U-20 Captain Eyes 2019 World Cup
Ghana U-20 captain Issahaku Konda says he wants to win the 2019 World Cup with Ghana and follow in the footsteps of Andre Ayew.
Ghana played out a goalless draw against Algeria in the second round of the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations qualifiers this past weekend, and will be looking to seal progression into the next phase when they host the return match later this month.
“It was a tough game,” Konda explained. “Playing against Algeria away, who have scored five goals in two games, we knew they were going to be tough opponents at home with the support and home advantage.
“We came into the game with the philosophy that until we score, we won’t allow them to score. That is what we did right to get the draw even though we missed a lot of chances. We practised a lot on defending.”
The Black Satellites skipper added that he has dreams of winning the 2019 U-20 World Cup in Poland, emulating the Ghana team of 2009 which was led to the title by Ayew.
“First of all, when I had the call up to come to the national U-20 team, I had dreams that we could win the World Cup and replicated what the Dede Ayew team did in 2009 and fortunately I am also the captain and it has been my prayers and that of the players to repeat what Ayew’s side did in 2009 in 2019,” he said.
To reach next year’s World Cup, Ghana will have to first secure qualification for the U-20 AFCON in Niger and then reach the semfinals of the continental competition.
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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