Sports
Senegal No Longer In My Thoughts – Ba
In-form Shanghai Shenhua striker Demba Ba has given up all hope of international call-up with Senegal after repeated omissions by Coach Aliou Cisse.
Ba, 33, has not played for his country since March 2015 and admits it is unlikely he will be picked while Cisse remains at the helm.
“I’ve turned the page and I don’t have a space for the national team in my head,” China-based Ba told Tidesports source.
“I saw the course of events leading up to being snubbed and ignored by Coach Aliou Cisse. He simply cast me aside without talking to me.
“So I just concluded that it’s okay and right now the national team is no longer in my thoughts.”
The former Newcastle United and Chelsea star impressed on loan at Turkish side Goztepe this year, but was overlooked for the World Cup in Russia.
Despite his last appearance for Senegal coming under Cisse, against Ghana in a friendly on 28 March 2015, Ba continues to question the managerial style of the former national team captain.
He said he had tried to persuade fellow striker Moussa Sow not to retire after the tournament in Russia.
“We both discussed it, but Moussa’s desire to leave had been taken in his mind already,” he added.
“When he tells me what happened at the World Cup, I completely understand his decision 100 per cent.
“I tried to stop him from leaving the national team, telling him that we still need his experience, but I can not blame him [for retiring].”
Born in France, Ba has four goals in 22 appearances for Senegal and played for the Teranga Lions at the 2012 African Cup of Nations.
Senegal is currently top of their 2019 Nations Cup qualifying group but Ba remains pessimistic about their chances.
“I do not think that Senegal can win anything in 2019. And I hope I’m wrong.” he said.
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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