Sports
S’Africa To Host 2015 AFCON?
South African Football
Assoction (SAFA) president Danny Jordaan will in the next week meet with Confederations of African Football (CAF) president Issa Hayatou to discuss next years African Cup of Nations with the possibility that South Africa could yet again be asked to host the continental event.
South Africa successfully hosted the 2013 African Cup of Nations after Libya was stripped because of political turmoil in the country and now the 2015 finals which are set to be held in Morocco at the start of next year are in jeopardy.
Morocco have requested that the finals be postponed due to the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa with the countries Health Minister stating that it is not a good idea to host such a big event in the presence of people from Ebola affected countries.
Ebola has claimed more than 4 000 lives this year according to the World Health Organisation, causing a lot of distress not only across the African continent, but also the world with cases now recorded in America and Spain.
Most of the victims have come from west African countries Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone with Guinea and Sierra Leone involved in qualifying matches.
Guinea has played their home matches, ironically, in the Moroccan City of Casablanca while Sierra Leone at the home of their opponents.
With fears of Ebola growing and Morocco seemingly not eager to host the tournament South Africa could again be asked to come to CAF’s rescue with Hayatou insisting that the tournament will go forth.
“I will meet the CAF president next week in Namibia, where his is attending the African Women’s championship,” Jordaan told AFP.
If South Africa were to host next years tournament they will subsequently become the first country to host back-to-back Afcon tournaments.
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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