Sports
Nigeria Ranks Third In Africa
Nigeria has moved up by
one spot in the FIFA world rankings to occupy the 33rd position in the August month, according to the rankings released on Thursday.
In the rankings table posted on the world football governing body’s website, Nigeria has 673 points in August, as opposed to the 660 points it garnered in the July ranking.
Nigeria’s ranking was however an improvement, in a month which witnessed a full in footballing activities in many parts of the world.
But in spite of the slight move, Nigeria remains the third-placed team in Africa behind Algeria and cote D’Ivoire which have 880 and 840 points respectively.
The first two African teams also maintained their spots on the global ranking as the 24th and 25th placed teams respectively.
However, Ghana displaced Egypt for the fourth place in Africa after moving up by two spots with 648 points to now rank 36th in the world.
Egypt now occupies the 38th position in the world with 6456 points.
On the global scene, there is only one small change among the top 14 positions.
World champions Germany continue to lead the way ahead of Argentina and the Netherlands with 1,736,1,604 and 1,507 points respectively.
Colombia, Belgium and Urguguay maintained their positions as the fourth, fifth and sixth-placed countries with 1,495, 1,407 and 1,306 points respectively.
But Spain has jumped one position forward and now shares seventh place with Brazil, with both countries tied at 1,241 points apiece.
Meanwhile, 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists Costa Rica have climbed up to 15th position at the expense of the U.S. which is now 18th, down by three spots.
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.