Sports
FIFA Suspends Moroccan Over Drugs
FIFA has provisionally suspended a Morocco international following a failed drugs test.
The world governing body made the announcement on Wednesday via a statement on their official website, although the identity of the player in question has not been revealed.
The sanction relates to a test that took place after Morocco’s 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Tanzania on June 8, which Rachid Taoussi’s side won 2-1, with a doping test revealing evidence of a prohibited substance.
The statement from FIFA read: “The chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has provisionally suspended a Moroccan international footballer for an initial period of 30 days and opened disciplinary proceedings following an adverse analytical finding in relation to a doping control conducted after the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier played in Marrakech, Morocco on 8 June 2013.
“After receiving the ‘A’ sample result, the player requested an analysis of the ‘B’ sample, which also tested positive for a prohibited substance included in WADA’s 2013 prohibited list.
“The decision taken by the chairman of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee was duly notified to the Moroccan Football Association on 28 August.
“The player has until September 4 to inform FIFA of whether he wishes to request a hearing. Irrespective of whether or not the player requests a hearing, the player and/or the Moroccan Football Association have until September 11 to submit a statement and all related and supporting documentary evidence.”
The news is the latest in a series of doping issues to hit the international game, with a Tahitian international suspended following a positive test at the FIFA Confederations Cup in June, while a Jamaican international and a team official were also suspended following a test after the World Cup qualifier against Honduras on June 11.
Morocco’s World Cup hopes were ended at the qualification stage, as Taoussi’s side finished second behind Ivory Coast in Group C of the CAF region.
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.