Sports
We Target AFCON Trophy- Appiah
Ghana is Coach, Kwasi Appiah has said that his team is halfway through in its quest to clinch the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy in South Africa.
The Black Stars of Ghana have won the Nations Cup four times previously —1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982.
The Black Stars secured their quarter final place with a convincing 3-0 win over Niger in Group B match on January 28.
However, Coach Appiah told a CAF Website that there was still much to be done to get to the top.
“We are halfway through and can do much better. Against Niger, the players were tactically disciplined in defence and attack.
“The players stepped up their performance and produced a good result and I have a lot of respect for the Nigerien team though,” he said.
Appiah, who won the Nations Cup as a player during the 1982 edition in Libya, said his team was getting better as the tournament progressed.
“For a team with 11 players making their debut at the Nations Cup, we are doing better and will peak as the tournament goes on.
“Now that we are finished with Niger, the concentration is on the next game at the quarter finals,” he said.
The Black Stars, as the Ghanaian team is known, notched up seven points en route the knockout stage and is billed to face Cape Verde in the quarter finals on Febuary 2.
On the Cape Verdeans, Appiah said: “Looking at how they have fared so well, it won’t be easy but we will do our best against them.’’
The Black Stars have not won the Nations Cup since 1982. Appiah was a member of the triumphant squad.
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.