Sports
Police Intercept English Hooligans Heading To S’Africa
British and South African police have foiled an attempt by English hooligans to sneak into the country for the World Cup via Dubai.
Police minister Nathi Mthethwa also said around 3,200 identified hooligans had until tomorrow to hand in their passports to British police to prevent them travelling.
“A month ago some of them were trying to go via Dubai to come to South Africa and both the South African and UK forces were able to nip them,” Mthethwa said.
He said around a dozen hooligans were intercepted but would not give details of where they were stopped. South African officials have said they are working closely with British police to prevent hooligans reaching Africa’s first World Cup. .
“We really will not take any nonsense this time around… This commitment by the UK authorities (to ban these hooligans) is not just a commitment it is something concrete.”
South African police have little experience of hooliganism which does not occur at soccer matches there, and are relying on spotters and intelligence information from European forces.
The minister said there was no substance to a report in a South African newspaper that chances of a terror attack during the tournament could be as high as 80 per cent and that Pakistani and Somali militants were running training camps in neighbouring Mozambique.
The paper said some militants may have already crossed into the country.
“There is no specific terrorism threat to South Africa as we speak. I don’t think our intelligence is weak, we are able to challenge anybody with our intelligence,” Mthethwa said.
But he added that this would not make security forces complacent.
“It would, however, be folly for any country to grandstand and proclaim that it is immune to terror attacks.”
Analysts say that although no threats have been identified, the World Cup, as the globe’s most watched sporting event, would be a tempting target for al Qaeda and other groups.
Officials have said they are paying particular attention to protecting eight matches but have only mentioned one of them, the game in Rustenburg between England and the United States on June 12, the second day of the tournament.
“The US has been targeted for some time, it will continue to be and it is not alone. There is this possibility wherever the U.S. is. We have not taken any chances,” Mthethwa said.
He also dismissed threats from white right wing groups in South Africa, saying they were being dealt with by police.
Police have recently broken up what they said were right wing bombing plots, including a plan by white supremacists to plant explosives in black townships.
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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