Sports
Bayelsa Not Scared Of Sfaxien, Insists Teibowe
Bayelsa United Coach, Diepreye Teibowei, says they are not scared of their CAF Confederation Cup first-round opponents, CS Sfaxien, and will approach the game with a winning mentality.
Bayelsa dispatched Guinea’s Ashanti Golden Boys 4-2 in a one-legged tie at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa last Sunday and booked a date with the Tunisians, three times winners of the competition.
The Nigerians would play the first leg of the encounter in Yenagoa between October 15 to 17, before proceeding for the return leg a week later.
The giant-killers will be hoping to continue their Confederation Cup fairytale against Sfaxien, who are seen to be the favourites to progress to the playoffs round but Teibowei says his team must not be written off.
“The players did well against Ashanti Golden Boys and I must commend them for their courage and discipline. They played to instruction and now our focus has moved to the next game.
“The first-round game against CS Sfaxien will be tough and I know a lot of people believe we have gotten to the end of the road, but this is football and anything is possible. We know they are the bigger side and are more established. We respect them but we are not scared of them, so we will approach the match with a winning mentality.”
CS Sfaxien finished fifth in the league Tunisian league table, in the 2020/21 league season.
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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