Sports
Macini’s Own Goal Rescues A Draw Against Jose Mourinho’s Side
An own goal from Gianluca Mancini rescued a draw for Leicester in the first leg of the Europa Conference League semi-final tie against Roma.
Roma’s captain, Lorenzo Pellegrini led by example, firing the visitors into a 15th-minute lead with a smart run and finish following a fine reverse pass from Nicolo Zalewski.
It was cruel on Leicester, who had started well and applied heavy pressure on the Roma defence in the opening stages of the match, albeit without creating a clear-cut chance.
Roma’s goalkeeper Rui Patricio was virtually a spectator in the first half, as Leicester struggled to breach a stubborn backline.
Lookman ought to have at least tested the visitors’ shot stopper in the early stages of the second half, but he mistimed his jump and headed Marc Albrighton’s corner delivery over.
However, he was central to Leicester’s equaliser in the 67th-minute when he competed for substitute Harvey Barnes’ cross, outmuscling Mancini as the ball was bundled over the line.
Both sides traded chances in a bid to win the game, Rui Patricio doing well to deny Kelechi Iheanacho from distance and at the other end Sergio Oliveira forced a good save from Kasper Schmeichel.
But they couldn’t be separated and will head to the Stadio Olimpico next Thursday for the second leg with the tie finely balanced.
Both sides traded chances in a bid to win the game, Rui Patricio doing well to deny Kelechi Iheanacho from distance and at the other end Sergio Oliveira forced a good save from Kasper Schmeichel.
But they couldn’t be separated and will head to the Stadio Olimpico next Thursday for the second leg with the tie finely balanced.
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.
-
News1 day agoPolice Arrest Nigerian, Two Others For Kidnapping In Edo
-
Business23 hours agoNERC Amends Order on Meter Tampering, Power Bypass For Discos
-
Business23 hours agoNigeria, AFC sign $1.3 billion deal to build alumina refinery
-
Rivers22 hours agoKENPOLY Rector Promises To Prioritise Students’ Welfare
-
Nation1 day agoPerm Sec Explains Success Of FGM Elimination Programme In Rivers
-
News1 day agoNDLEA Arrests Ex-Councillor With 40kg Skunk, Recovers Drugs In Diapers
-
Rivers22 hours agoDon, Stakeholders Urge Environmental Laws In N’Delta
-
Rivers22 hours agoADIAFRICA Flags-off Free Eye Screening Outreach In PH