Sports
Menezes Banks On Ronaldinho’s Against Ghana Int’l Friendly
Brazil coach Mano Menezes hopes Ronaldinho can revitalise his struggling side when A Selecao face Ghana in a friendly in London today.
Menezes handed Ronaldinho a surprise recall for the fixture at Fulham’s Craven Cottage after the former Barcelona and AC Milan forward showed signs of a renaissance late in his career. The 31-year-old looked to have been cast into international exile for good when he was left out of Brazil’s squad for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
At that point Ronaldinho was a shadow of the flamboyant star who helped Brazil win the 2002 FIFA World Cup and led Barcelona to the 2006 UEFA Champions League. He has played only once for Brazil since the 2010 FIFA World Cup, a 1-0 friendly defeat against Argentina in 2010, but has enjoyed a fine run of form with his club side.
Ronaldinho has scored 15 times this season, a prolific spell perfectly timed for Menezes, who is desperate to inject some swagger into a Brazilian team that was bereft of inspiration as they crashed out of the Copa America in the quarter-finals and then lost 3-2 to Germany in a friendly.
“Ronaldinho is a world champion with the Brazil team and after his return to the country he has readjusted and he is playing very well,” Menezes said. “He is becoming one of the best players of the season and what has been successful with his club can also help the national team.”
The fixture also offers a chance for redemption for Marcelo, Real Madrid’s attacking left-back, who has yet to feature since Menezes took charge and fell out with his coach after deciding he was unfit to play in the Copa America. The pair have patched up their relationship sufficiently for Marcelo to return to the squad and he now hopes to cement a place.
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.
-
Business3 days agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business3 days agoNCDMB Signs Mgt Deal With Radisson, Edison…As Board’s 204 Rooms Hotel Open December 2026
-
Rivers2 days agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Business3 days agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
News3 days agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Rivers2 days agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers2 days agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH
-
Environment2 days agoIWD: NGO promotes clean energy access for women in Kaduna