Sports
Pirates Hold Esperance Goalless, Top Group
Orlando Pirates drew 0-0 with Esperance de Tunis in the 2018/19 CAF Champions League Group B match at the Orlando Stadium in South Africa on Saturday.
As a result, South Africa’s Pirates remain at the top of the group table, while Tunisian giants Esperance also remained second on the standings.
The Buccaneers threatened first through their Zambian striker Justin Shonga just 10 minutes into the encounter.
Shonga, who had netted twice against Guinea’s Horoya AC in a Group B clash last month, saw his effort narrowly miss the target.
ThembinkosiLorch was causing havoc for the Blood and Gold defence which was led by ChamseddineDhaouadi.
The visitors, who had in-form striker TahaYassineKhenissi in their attack, pushed for the opening goal with the half-time break approaching.
However, Pirates stood firm at the back until Ethiopian match referee TessemaWeyesaBamlak blew the half-time whistle.
Pirates and Esperance were locked at 0-0 during the half-time break.
The Buccaneers were the better side after the restart and they came close to scoring through Vincent Pule.
The attacking midfielder’s long-range shot went close as the 1995 Champions League winners searched for the opening goal.
Esperance goalkeeper Rami Jeridi was called into action just after the hour-mark as the Buccaneers pressed the visitors.
The shot-stopper palmed a shot back across goal towards the onrushing Pule, but the visitors managed to clear their lines.
Pirates pressed Esperance in the closing stages of the game, but three-time Champions League winners looked solid and impenetrable at the back.
Ultimately, the encounter ended in a 0-0 draw with Esperance having frustrated Pirates on the night.
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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