Sports
Al Ahly Wants CAF To Postpone Match
Egyptian giants and eight-time CAF Champions League winners, Al Ahly, have sent an official letter to the Confederations of African football requesting the postponement of their impending quarter-final clash against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The Red Devils have asked that their first-leg encounter initially scheduled for April 5 at Lucas Moripe Stadium in Atteridgeville, be postponed by one day.
Al Ahly booked their place in the knockout stages after finishing atop Group D. The South African champions finished second behind Wydad Casablanca in Group A.
“It is very difficult for us to play on April 5, especially as the team will arrive in South Africa on April 4,” Al Ahly’s director of football Sayed Abdel-Hafi told Al Ahly’s official website.
“This puts a lot of pressure on the players because of the long flight to South Africa and the lack of rest before our game with Sundowns.
“I hope that the CAF will take into account the circumstances in which Al Ahly are going through and postpone the match for one day,” he concluded.
The Red Devils are set to play against Zamalek, Ittihad of Alexandria and Sundowns in the space of a week.
Pitso Mosimane’s men face a fixture congestion of their own and are set to take on title rivals Orlando Pirates next Monday before Al Ahly’s visit that Friday.
Al Ahly are set to host the Brazilians for the reverse fixture in Cairo on April 12.
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.