Sports
Nooij Coaches Tanzania’s National Team
Martin Ignatius, popu
larly known as Mart Nooij, has been named as head coach of Tanzania’s national team, the Taifa Stars.
The Dutchman, who is much travelled in Africa, takes over from sacked Danish coach Kim Poulsen.
Nooij, the former St. George Coach, has reportedly signed a two year contract.
The Tanzania Football Federation’s (TFF) Michael Wambura, confirmed to Tidesports source that Nooij has been appointed and would officially be unveiled on Monday.
It is the second national team job for 59 year old Nooij. He spent four years as coach of neighbouring Mozambique until 2011, helping them qualify for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
He also previously managed Burkina Faso’s U-20 team at the 2003 Fifa World Youth Championship and has had jobs in South Africa and Ethiopia.
Nnoij arrived in Tanzania on Saturday morning. He was at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam, watching the Taifa Stars get beaten 3-0 by Burundi in an international friendly.
After the match, he said he would bring a wealth of experience to the job, and would work with the FA to push the team to success.
The Dutchman’s biggest task will be to get the Taifa Stars through the preliminary round of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
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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