Sports
CAF Rejects City’s Claim On AFCON Timing
The Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football (Caf) has rejected claims that the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations is “wrong”.
Manchester City’s football administrator Brian Marwood had said that holding the Nations Cup during the English season was “bizarre”.
But Suketu Patel said the tournament schedule was carefully thought through.
“We can’t look at the situation purely from what the English league’s problems are,” Patel told Tidesports source.
“The time has been agreed with Fifa [and] the climatic conditions in certain parts of Africa do not allow us to play in [northern hemisphere] summer time,” Patel said.
“It can be extremely hot in the northern part [of Africa] and in some places you have problems with rain.”
And he pointed out that a change of schedule to suit one country would penalise clubs elsewhere, who also employ African players.
“You have to appreciate that there are a lot of players in China or Doha or the South African league, where the timing is not the same as the English league,” Patel said.
“So if we were to go to June, you would have other leagues saying exactly what [Brian Marwood] is saying now.
“I agree with Mr Marwood that perhaps in England the number of games being played is excessive – but they have so many competitions.
“Two or three cup competitions, the European Champions League and the domestic league – so perhaps the solution lies not only with the Nations Cup but within the English league itself.”
Caf has already adjusted the schedule of the Nations Cup from even years to odd years, to avoid a clash with the World Cup.
Clubs signed African players knowing full well that they might be required for international duty during January and February, Patel added.
“It goes to show that the value of African players is so high that, despite this difficulty for English clubs once every two years, they’re still quite happy to sign them,” he said.
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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