Sports
Cote d’Ivoire, Zambia Go For Ultimate Glory, Sunday
One of the pretournament favourites, Cote d’Ivoire hopes to prove book makers right as they go into the 2012 Nations Cup final against surprise package, Zambia on Sunday. While the Zambians want to upset the apple cart by tearing the form books just as they did against Ghana, by overcoming the Ivories’ to lift their first Africa cup of Nations trophy on Sunday in Libreville, Gabon.
Côte d’Ivoire, looking to lay to rest the ghosts of failures past, and Zambia have set up a CAF Africa Cup of Nations final that will be a deeply emotional on Sunday.
The Zambians have kept their date with destiny, stunning Ghana 1-0 in Wednesday’s first semi-final to bring Herve Renard’s side to Libreville off whose coast 19 years ago the national side perished en route to a FIFA World Cup qualifier in Dakar.
Zambia will face a Côte d’Ivoire side led by Didier Drogba, after they defeated Mali 1-0 courtesy of a brilliant solo effort by Arsenal striker, Gervinho in the day’s second semi-final match.
After Zambia’s stunning win over the Black Stars Renard said: “It was written in the stars that we had to return to Gabon in order to honour the memories of the national side wiped out in 1993.”
“A team that is returning home and all of them die, is catastrophic for a country. Twelve million Zambians wanted us to go the whole way to Libreville. As soon as we arrive in Libreville, we will go to the spot where the plane crashed, not far from the stadium. It is imperative we play for them, for Zambia, because it is a fantastic country.”
Zambia booked their ticket to the final courtesy of substitute Emmanuel Mayuka who scored 12 minutes from time to give the Copper Bullets a 1-0 victory over the four-time champions. The goal came against the run of play with Isaac Chansa setting up the 20-year-old striker, whose shot from outside the penalty area flew past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey into the corner of the net.
Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic did not appear at the post-match press conference, but in his absence assistant Akwasi Appiah said: “We dominated almost all the match, they had only one or two opportunities, and scored with one of them.
“Zambia is a huge footballing nation, they deserve to be in the final. Everyone is very sad, the majority of the players cried.”
Gervinho seals final berth
Later, in the Gabonese capital, a moment of brilliance from Gervinho secured Côte d’Ivoire their fifth consecutive win in the 2012 competition and their place in Sunday’s final. The Elephants’ class and experience prevailed in an entertaining encounter set alight by Gervinho’s 45th-minute goal.
Mali had struggled manfully to deny the Elephants of several chances, until Gervinho made his mark just before the break. The Arsenal striker stripped Mali defender Ousmane Berthe and after dribbling down the left flank, fired a right-footed past Soumaila Diakite into the far corner.
Winning coach Francois Zahoui cut a composed figure afterwards, saying: “We had to manage some difficult times but luckily we scored just before the end of the first half. I’m proud of the boys, they managed the game with calmness and patience, and a little stress.
“We weren’t expecting such a tough game. I’m surprised by the work (Mali coach) Alain Giresse has done with his team, hats off to them.”
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.