Sports
Jordaan Disappointed With Africa’s Performance
Dr Danny Jordaan, Chief Executive Officer, 2010 World Cup Organising Committee, at the weekend expressed disappointment that only Ghana of the six African countries made it to the second round.
Jordaan told journalists in Johannesburg that it was not envisaged the continent’s representatives would perform poorly in the competition which was holding in Africa for the first time.
Only Ghana from the six — Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Nigeria, and hosts South Africa — scaled through to the last 16.
The Ghanaians were through the quarter-finals with a 2-1 defeat over the U.S.
He said it was hoped that teams from the continent would advance to the crucial stages of the competition.
“It shows that a lot of work still needed to be done in the continent. It is not what we had envisaged at the beginning of an African World Cup,” he said.
Jordaan said it was an exciting tournament with record crowds watching it is on big television screens in various parts of the world.
He added that the results of matches showed that reputation meant nothing at the World Cup.
Jordaan was referring to the early exit of 2006 finalists, Italy and France.
Asked about the alleged forcible removal of street children from Durban, Jordaan said he was unaware and promised that it would be looked into to find out if it was true.
“I am not aware that children had been removed from the streets of Durban. We have never hidden the fact there were poor people in this country,” he said.
On security following the police take over, he said the committee invited them because there was a labour dispute involving the private security outfit contracted for it and its employees.
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.