Sports
Senegal Shines As AFCON Qualifiers Resume
Senegal claimed the headline win as the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers resumed on Wednesday, while Guinea and Comoros also secured important results on the road to Cameroon 2022.
Senegal moved to within touching distance of qualification after claiming a third straight win in Group I, as goals from Sadio Mane and Opa Nguette took them to a 2-0 win over Guinea Bissau in Thies.
In Conakry, Guinea took control of Group A with a 1-0 win over Chad – courtesy of a goal from Mady Camara – taking them to seven points, though Mali could draw level when they tackle Namibia today.
In Group G, Comoros continue to be the surprise leaders, as they held Kenya to a 1-1 draw in Karasani despite playing most of their match with 10 men. Youssouf M’Changama both scored and was sent off for Les Coelacantes, but the Harambee Stars hit back through Masoud Juma for their third straight draw.
Mauritania leads the way in Group E but will perhaps be disappointed at playing to a 1-1 home draw with Burundi in Nouakchott. Al Murabitun claimed the lead through Bakary N’Diaye, but allowed two points to slip away when Saidi Ntibazonkiza levelled the game late on.
Libya were beaten 3-2 by Equatorial Guinea in the late match. Sanad Al Warfali and Mohamed Bettamer netted for the Mediterranean Knights after Miranda Josete had given Nzalang Nacional took the lead in the first half, and the West Africans claimed all three points thanks to injury-time goals from Pedro Obiang and Salomon Obama.
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.