Sports
‘Zambia Can Reach The Final’
Zambia have now achieved their pre-tournament ambition at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations by progressing to today’s semi-final stage, but coach Herve Renard is setting a new target for a side he says is vastly underrated.
A resounding 3-0 win over Sudan in Saturday’s quarter-final in Bata saw the southern African nation into the final four, reviving their reputation among the continent’s elite. Zambia also beat Senegal and surprising co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in Group A, with their only slip so far in the event a 2-2 draw with Libya. For coach Renard, a first semi-final since 1996 is no surprise, given the experience of his side, who he says has been largely overlooked before and during the tournament.
But the 43-year-old France-born former defender insists the Chipolopolo (the Copper Bullets) have the pedigree to put them in the mix for the 12 February final in Libreville, even with favoured Ghana waiting today. “Remember, we have been to the finals every time since 2004. There are many players here who are in their fourth successive tournament and have picked up a lot of experience along the way,” he said with a nod to his previous stint with Zambia in the last continental finals. “We were unlucky to lose in the quarter-final in 2010, so to get to the semi-finals now is fantastic for us.”
Zambia have one of the best histories at the tournament for any nation never to have won the event. They have qualified for 11 of the last 12 editions, reached the final match twice (in 1974 and 1994) and finished third a further three times. Such consistency puts them in the upper echelon of African teams already, but the Bullets might be hitting a high point, even without any of the international icons of the other semi-finalists. “The side have been together for a long time but without any big stars like many of the other teams. The star is the team. It’s a very big advantage because we are not scared about any other teams,” he said.
Renard was sharing the spotlight as well, paying tribute to his backroom staff by taking them to the post-match press conference to introduce them to the media. “I want to acknowledge and congratulate my staff. I could not have done it without them. There is no way that I work alone and there is no coach these days who can work alone. We have to be proud of our achievement and now we have to go to Gabon on 12 February.” They will try to reach this new goal against the Black Stars today in Bata before Mali attempt to topple giants Côte d’Ivoire in Libreville’s semi-final.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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