Sports
Osimhen-less Napoli Bow To Rampant AC Milan
AC Milan made light of Victor Osimhen’s absence with a 4-0 away victory over Napoli on Sunday to continue their push for the Italian elite division title
The striker, who was involved in Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea Bissau, was ruled out against the Red and Blacks – having complained of discomfort in his left abductor muscle.
In the four-goal thriller, it was the Milan based outfit that started the fixture like a house on fire – taking the lead courtesy of Rafael Leao’s 17th minute effort.
The Portugal international was picked out by Brahim Diaz who put the ball before the Blues’ goalkeeper – to end his wait for his first AC Milan goal since mid-January.
Eight minutes later, Diaz went from provider to goal-getter. Profiting from a spending combo from Olivier Giroud and Ismael Bennacer, the Spaniard got the better of two defenders before finding the roof of the net.
In the second-half, Luciano Spalletti’s men came out stronger but were unable to turn the tides against the Milan-based outfit.
Despite creating numerous scoring opportunities, they were unable to put the ball into the net, and that was exploited by their guests.
Man-of-the-match Leao complete his brace a minute before the hour mark after unleashing an unstoppable shot past Alex Meret, having been set up by Sandro Tonali.
Supersub Alexis Saelemaekers completed the rout by breezing past Napoli backline before finishing through Meret’s legs.
With that result, AC Milan have completed a run of three victories in Naples for the first time since 1951
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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