Sports
One of Africa’s Brightest Football Stars Retires
35-year-old Yaya Toure, a former midfielder for Ivory Coast, Manchester City, and Barcelona, has according to his manager retired from playing competitive football and will instead move into a coaching role.
The Ivorian born footballer relocated to Greece in the wake of his release from Manchester City this past summer but has not appeared in any matches since Greek club Olympiakos terminated his contract this past December. During the span of his Football career with Manchester City the club managed to capture an FA Cup title, two League Cup titles, as well as three Premier League championships.
In a recent announcement his agent, Dimitri Seluk stated, Yaya decided to bring his career to a close as a champion. However, just a month prior Toure revealed during a BBC interview that he had no short-term goals that included retirement from football, and he had not ruled out continuing his playing career in the United States, Asia, or Middle East. According to Seluk, the farewell game Manchester City afforded him, in principle marked the true end of his career as a player, not just with the Manchester team, but generally.
Seluk made the revelation will speaking to Sport 24 the Russian website and later endorsed their article via his Twitter feed, saying that Yaya is one of Africa’s best players who built one of the brightest football careers in African football’s history and as such decided to leave football while at his peak. He continued relaying that it is natural for a footballer to carry on playing for as long as is humanly possible and considering his current level of physical conditioning Yaya could continue doing this at a sufficiently elevated level for at least another five years.
Yaya Toure’s excellent track record and dynamic style of play made him a firm favourite amongst major bookmakers such as Ladbrokes throughout the UK. Crowned African footballer of the year four times, and in 2009 with Barcelona captured the Champions League title, before moving to Manchester City for the next eight years where during his time with the team he scored 79 goals during his 316 appearances, including winning the 2011 FA Cup final, as well as two Italian LaLiga titles.
Prior to his European career, Toure made 101 appearances for the Ivory Coast many as captain, playing in the 2006, 2010, as well as 2014 World Cup championships. He retires from his football career having established a remarkable 100% penalty record, scoring with al 11 of his place kicks.
Seluk also added he was certain that within two years after Yaya receives his Professional coaching licence, he will become head coach at one of the major clubs and achieve huge success in his new coaching role. Apparently, Toure had already made inroads in this new direction, the legend from Africa’s Ivory Coast will no-doubt once again soon strut his way around with trophy laden pockets.
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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