Sports
CAFWCL: Bayelsa Queens Finish Third
Bayelsa Queens salvaged something from a seemingly-disappointing CAF Women’s Champions League by finishing with a 1-0 win over Simba Queens in the third-place match on Saturday.
In the match played at the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat, a second half strike from Juliet Sunday was all the Yenagoa-based side required to beat their East African opponents.
Bayelsa Queens had a brighter start to the match as Glory Edet’s long-range effort and Etim Edidiong’s header inside the opening 10 minutes missed their target.
Simba Queens, however, recovered from the early pressure as they threatened through the efforts of Asha Djafari and Opah Clement.
But they could not find the back of the net as both sides settled for a stalemate at half-time.
The two clubs resumed the contest with an end-to-end battle until Juliet Sunday eventually broke the deadlock off a cross from Mercy Itimi in the 70th minute.
On seeing themselves behind, Simba Queens pushed for a leveller quickly.
But Clement’s powerful brilliant effort from the edge was turned over the bar by goalkeeper Bawou Gabrielle 10 minutes later.
In the closing stages, Bayelsa Queens almost added the second goal through substitute Chinyere Igbomalu.
But she missed a sitter as her side preserved their slim lead to claim their golden bronze.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Bawou Gabrielle won her second Woman of the Match accolade in the tournament.
This followed her brilliant goalkeeping to ensure Bayelsa Queens celebrate winning the bronze medals in their maiden appearance.
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.