Sports
U-17: Zambia Loses To Nigeria, Bows Out In Honour
Zambia Under-17 coach
Chris Kaunda has said that his team departs the 2015 CAF Under-17 Cup in Niger with honour.
Kaunda’s side was eliminated from the ongoing CAF Under-17 Cup on Saturday after losing 3-1 to perennial tournament campaigners Nigeria to see the latter book its semifinal place.
This was Zambia’s debut appearance at the CAF U17 Cup where they finished third in Group A on three points, four behind Nigeria who finished top of the pool.
“It’s a learning process but we are happy that we have learned and achieved a lot of things and have taken out lots of positives for Zambian football,” Kaunda said.
“We are disappointed not to qualify to the semi-finals and the World Cup in Chile but one of the many things we have achieved is to secure the future of Zambian football with these fine talents and that is good for the country.”
Star man for Zambia at the tournament was Nchanga Rangers, attacking midfielder, Patson Daka who also captained the team and scored Junior Chipolopolo’s lone goal in the final match against Nigeria.
Daka’s goal was his second of the tournament.
Zambia kicked off the tournament with a 1-0 loss to Guinea on February 15 before beating host Niger 2-1 in their penultimate Group A match last Wednesday.
Nigeria were joined by Guinea who finished in second place on 4 points despite losing 2-1 to bottom placed Niger on Saturday, in the last four.
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.