Sports
Ghana U-17s Ready For USA Challenge
Ghana will chase a second successive victory at the U-17 World Cup when they face United States at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in New Delhi today.
The West Africans got their tournament off to a strong start when they defeated Colombia 1-0 in their Group A opener on Friday, with Sadiq Ibrahim scoring the only goal of the game.
Yet the Black Starlets coach Samuel Paa Kwesi Fabin was not entirely happy with his team’s display and will want to see an improvement for their match with the USA.
“I’m a bit disappointed in the play because that’s not how we play. We keep the ball and pass it around but it looked as if we abandoned our style and we were trying to play long balls like the Colombians and it was not working for for us,” Fabin explained.
“But I’m happy because it’s the group stage and to have taken three points in your first match, it’s good, it’s very good, so I’m happy for that.
“I’ll give credit to our goalkeeper and the defence, I think they did tremendously well.”
The defence may need to be at their best again on Monday, as the USA looked a potent attacking force in their 3-0 win over hosts India. Josh Sargent, Chris Durkin and Andre Carleton scored the goals for coach John Hackworth’s side.
Ghana and USA have met twice before in the U-17 World Cup, with the Black Starlets claiming 2-0 wins in both 1995 in Quito and 1999 in Auckland.
Meanwhile, Debutants Niger made history on Saturday by winning their first match at the Under-17 World Cup in India, but Guinea were beaten in their opening group fixture.
Niger were 1-0 winners over North Korea in Kochi to record a victory in their first Group D match.
Salim Abdourahmane struck Niger’s goal in the 59th minute to seal the win.
Brazil is top of Group D after a 2-1 win over Spain.
Niger will next play Spain tomorrow.
In Goa, Guinea fell 3-1 to Iran in their first match of Group C.
After a tight first half, Iran raced to a 3-0 lead in the final 30 minutes of the match with goals from Allahyar Sayyad, Mohammad Sharifi and Saeid Karimi.
Guinea got a consolation goal in stoppage time through Fandje Toure.
Iran are top of Group C followed by Germany who beat Costa Rica 2-1.
Guinea, who is bottom of the standings, faces Costa Rica next tomorrow.
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.