Sports
UCL: PSG Holds Barca In Paris …Bayern Hits Juve 2-0
Paris St Germain last night came from behind twice to hold FC Barcelona 2-2 in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter final match in Parces des Princes, Paris.
In Germany, Bayern Munich put one foot in the semi final stage with a 2-0 victory over Juventus.
It was a Zlatan Ibrahimovic led fight back that saw the French millenarians still having a chance to make progress in the competition. Prolific Lionel Messi had given the visitors a first half lead when in the 38th minute, he escaped his markers to angle a shot beyond PSG keeper.
The visitor held onto the lead until the 79th minute when Ibrahimovic, a former Barca man bundled a rebound past keeper Victor Valdes for the equalizer.
With Messi substituted due to injury at the beginning of the second half, Barcelona still dominated possession but struggled to create clear cut chances.
However, when Xavi Hernandez converted a penalty kick in the 89th minute to give the Catalans a 2-1 lead with the final whistle being awaited it looked like PSG would go to Camp Nou with a huge mountain to climb.
But Ibrahimovic, Matuidi and a wicked deflection combined to deny Barca victory and give the Parisians a chance to fight for the ticket to the semi final stage when they visit Spain.
In Germany, it was fireworks all the way as Bayern Munich and Juventus did battle. In the end an Alaba long range shot and a Thomas Mueller goal ensured that the old lady of Turin left Germany empty handed with a massive disadvantage for the return leg.
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.