Sports
2024 Olympics May Miss Mbappe, Messi
The 2024 Olympic Games are sweating on the involvement of Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe, with Real Madrid threatening to dash gold medal dreams.
Argentina are still waiting on a decision from eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, Messi regarding his involvement in Paris, with club commitments at Inter Miami and a Copa America tournament this summer, having to be taken into account.
The hope was that France would have one superstar in their squad to use as a poster boy for the event, with Mbappe stating his desire to compete at a home Games. He has said: “It’s my employer who decides. It will be a pleasure to play in them, but if my employer doesn’t want to, I will support that decision. I don’t think it will take much time to think about it.”
That employer is Paris Saint-Germain for now, who would be happy for Mbappe to represent their city in a global showpiece. The 25-year-old is, however, heading towards free agency at Parc des Princes and is expected to become another ‘Galactico’ at La Liga giants Real Madrid.
According to sources, the Blancos are reluctant to free Mbappe for Euro 2024 and Olympic competition at the start of his spell at Santiago Bernabeu. The report states: “According to our information, and whatever your desire to live the Olympic experience in your country, the possibility of seeing Mbappe compete in the Olympic Games with Thierry Henry’s team decreases day by day.”
The 2024 Olympics get underway on July 24 – just 10 days after the European Championship final, which France will be hoping to reach. The event will then run through to August 10, giving Mbappe little time in which to ready himself for domestic action with Real Madrid.
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.