Sports
Zambia Can Pull Surprises AT AFCON – Coach
French coach Herve Renard has said that Zambia could spring a surprise at the 2012 CAF African Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Renard took Chipolopolo to the last eight of the competition in Angola two years ago, but they eventually bowed out to Nigeria after failing to go through in a penalty shoot-out. Renard then left to coach Angola and Algerian club USMA before returning to the Zambia national side last October when Italian Dario Bonetti was dismissed two days after securing qualification for the Cup of Nations.
“We can compete against anybody, we are now getting to a state where we are better than we were in Angola two years ago,” said Renard after naming his 23-man squad. “When you watch the players in action, you can see the commitment, hard work and determination. We are focussed, disciplined and ready.”
“Everything is possible in football and although Zambia are are not among the favourites, we can pull a surprise and win the Cup. All we need is hard work and commitment.”
Zambia will also have to raise their game to a level rarely attained in the past two years with only one point of a possible six taken off Libya. Reaching the semi-finals will almost certainly mean having to defeat Senegal, who along with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire are widely considered to be the strongest teams coming to the three-week tournament.
Chipolopolo and Senegal have an intense African Cup of Nations rivalry dating back to the 1990 tournament in Algeria with each country having triumphed once and drawn twice. Renard rates Senegal as a very strong team and the enormity of the task facing the Zambia squad is illustrated by the 16-year gap since they last reached the semi-finals, and were hammered by unfancied Tunisia in South Africa port city Durban.
Netherlands-based striker Jacob Mulenga will be sorely missed and injuries have also ruled out midfielders William Njobvu and Thomas Nyirenda, while James Chamanga passed a late fitness test and was included at the expense of Given Singuluma.
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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