Sports
W’Cup Qualifiers: Will Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal Qualify?
The African World Cup qualifier draw was held in Cairo, Egypt, Tuesday night, which Nigeria fell into group C with Cape Verde, Central Africa Republic and Liberia.
Feelers from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) say jubilations are on following Nigeria pair with countries in the group.
The group seems to be an easy ride for Super Eagles to qualify at this preliminary group stage looking at the countries drawn with Nigeria, but football being what it is in recent times has no underdogs.
Generally, Football powers in Africa are celebrating as they were drawn with countries they felt they can overrun.
Defending Champions, Algeria, also see themselves as lucky as they are to lock horns with Burkina Faso, Niger and Djibouti in group A.
But group G and H seem to be the toughest groups as been speculated by football followers. Group G, comprise Ghana, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Ethiopia, while group H, have Senegal the country home of the reigning African best footballer, Sadio Mane, Congo, Namibia and Togo.
I have no doubt that there will be surprises as some of the football powers in Africa continent will be eliminated in this preliminary stage.
I want to say football has gone beyond winning on mass media and mere big names; we are no longer living in past glories.
Liberia is not known as a football nation in Africa, but George Weah, now President of Liberia was the only African that has won world footballer of the year, same year Europe and African best.
The author is skeptical that some football nations will not see the light of the day if they did not prepare well.
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.