Sports
Ivory Coast Tops In Africa FIFA Ranking
Ivory Coast have overtaken Cameroon as the top team in Africa, matching their highest ever position in the FIFA world rankings.
The Elephants are now 18th in the world, up 20 places on last month.
Elsewhere, African champions Egypt and World Cup hosts South Africa have both moved up two spots.
Ivory Coast’s two wins in 2010 World Cup qualifying in the last month have helped them move into the number one position in Africa.
They were also aided by Cameroon’s poor performance in the same campaign so far.
The Indomitable Lions suffered a disappointing draw with Morocco and are second in Africa and 29th in the world.
Good performances at the Confederations Cup have seen both Egypt and South Africa improve their rankings.
The Pharaohs may have dropped out of the tournament at the group stage but their win over the reigning world champions Italy gave them plenty of points – they are now 38th in the world and 6th in Africa.
South Africa have moved into 70th position after strong losing performances against Spain and Brazil.
Gabon are also big climbers this month – going up to third in the African rankings and 30th overall, thanks to their big win over Togo in 2010 qualifying.
Sierra Leone are the biggest fallers, dropping 40 places to 125th in the world.
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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