Sports
Wenger backs Barca to retain crown
Arsenal manager, Arsene Wenger has backed Barcelona to win the Champions League this season and become the first club to successfully defend the trophy since it change format from cup to league
The French boss feels that the Catalans have the experience and individual class to go all the way, while the return of several injured players will also give Coach Pep Guardiola a significant boost.
Real Madrid have also been tipped as one of the leading contenders to claim Europe’s top club prize, but Wenger believes that Barca have a player who will make the difference between the two arch-rivals.
“In my opinion, Barcelona are the big favourites to win the Champions League,” Wenger said “Firstly, they are high on confidence because they have already won the competition before.” “Additionally, because they are now starting to recoup players who have been injured for quite a while.”
“Madrid might have Cristiano Ronaldo, but Barcelona have Messi, who is capable of scoring two goals even if he’s not in top form.”
Wenger then added that Barca boast another advantage over their rivals due to their superiority at Camp Nou.
“It’s very difficult to play in Barcelona without conceding a goal. They are very strong at home. Even when you play at home, you know that they will make a goal in the return because of their attacking potency.
That’s a real psychological advantage for them.”
Barcelona lock horns with AC Milan in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, and will face either Chelsea or Benfica in the semi-finals if they eliminate the Serie A champions.
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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