Sports
Mandela Challenge: S’Eagles, Bafana Bafana Clash, August 14
The Nigeria Football Association (NFA) has said it has signed an agreement with the South African Football Association (SAFA) for the Super Eagles to play Bafana Bafana in the annual Nelson Mandela Challenge.
This is contained in a statement signed by NFA’s Assistant Director, Media, Ademola Olajire, and made available to newsmen in Lagos.
It said the Grade ‘A’ match, which honoured one of the greatest statesmen the world has ever produced, Nelson Mandela, would take place on August 14 at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, Durban.
The statement quoted the NFA President, Aminu Maigari, as saying: “We have signed the contract. We feel delighted to have the opportunity to accord honour to one of the great sons of Africa. Nelson Mandela deserves this honour.
“The NFA will present Nigeria’s ‘A’ team and SAFA will do the same. It promises to be a memorable encounter.
“It will take place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium, where the Super Eagles beat Mali 4-1 in one of the semi final matches of the 29th Africa Cup of Nations.”
It also quoted SAFA President, Kirsten Nematandani,as saying: “It is a great honour for us to be associated with such a huge and significant, and also highly important project for our former state president.
“When we got the invite to be part of this venture, we did not hesitate as Madiba has made a selfless sacrifice for the nation.
“We are obviously mindful of the fact that the former President is not well in hospital. We can only wish him all the best for him to come out and be among us, so that he can continue to inspire us as he has done for many years.
“This event shows that no one can unite the country quite like he has, and we are proud to be taking part,” Nematandani said.
The statement said that apart from the clash with the Super Eagles, the Bafana Bafana would also play Burkina Faso, at the FNB Stadium in Soweto on August 17.
Anti-apartheid activist, Mandela, spent 27 years in jail before being freed in 1990, and four years later became South Africa’s President.
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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