Sports
‘Atletico Can Hurt Klopp’s Liverpool’
Saul Niguez believes that Atletico Madrid is capable of hurting Liverpool’s “animals”, with statistics there to be broken as Diego Simeone seek’s to dethrone the current Champions League kings.
A heavyweight last-16 encounter between two continental rivals is due to be staged at Wanda Metropolitan tonight.
The last time Liverpool graced that venue, they got their hands on a sixth European Cup.
Since then, Jurgen Klopp’s side has landed UEFA Super Cup and Club World Cup honours while also opening up a 25-point lead at the top of the Premier League table.
They have taken 103 points from the last 105 on offer domestically, with records tumbling around them in the 2019-20 campaign.
Saul, though, insists that the Reds hold no fear for Atletico, telling Tide sports source when asked about what can be done about the stunning numbers Liverpool are posting: “You break them.
“There’s no memory in football: what you did yesterday is no use.
“We had a good run before Christmas then we fell away and it was hard. People wanted to kill us. Do I think it’s unfair? Honestly, yes. But it’s life.
“People whistle Cholo [Simeone], important players; the fans are demanding. If we win two or three games, it’ll change again.
“We know how we can hurt Liverpool, their strengths and weaknesses, and we always compete against big teams.
“We have to make the most of the home game. There will be an incredible atmosphere, more than ever.”
While being in confident mood ahead of a meeting with Liverpool, Saul acknowledges that Atletico will need to be at their best as a collective in order to contain the relentless march of the Reds.
He added: “They have those perros de presa [hunting dogs] in the middle who run, press.
“It’s not just running for the sake of running: they do things that aren’t normal and it looks disordered but it’s ordered, mechanised.
“One comes out here and you think: ‘That’s mad, why’s he there?’ But the other man knows and comes from here.
“Klopp said they play with their heart, but it’s planned too. One breaks out to press, wild, but they follow. It’s very hard to escape when they come at you like that.
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.
-
News5 days agoDon Savours Inaugural Lecture Presentation, Commends VC
-
News16 hours agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business6 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Nation18 hours agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News16 hours agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers5 hours agoLGSC Boss Commits To Better Service Delivery
-
News16 hours agoArmy Foils Cattle Rustling, Kills Terrorists In Benue …Rescues Two Kidnapped Bank Staff
-
Nation18 hours agoOgoni Mangrove Wetlands Gain International Recognition As Ramsar Site