Sports
Group Qualification, Succour For Mali
Mali’s qualification for the quarter-finals of the ongoing 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa may have seemed perfunctory to football fans elsewhere.
But the team’s players and officials are viewing it as a source of much-needed succour for their beleaguered people back home.
Mali is in the throes of conflict as armed Islamist groups have seized the northern part of the country and inflicted untold hardship on the people, forcing many to flee to neighbouring countries and many more to be displaced internally.
As the Nations Cup tournament continues in South Africa, international forces are assisting the West African nation to regain sovereignty over its whole territory and help it restore normalcy to what was once a shinning example of democracy in Africa.
After Mali’s 1-1 draw against DR Congo propelled the team to the last eight on Monday, team captain Seydou Keita struck the right note when he said: “This means a lot for Mali.
“This qualification will give hope to Mali people, you all know what is happening in our country. I’m very happy.’’
Team coach Claude Le Roy echoed the same sentiments: “‘I want to congratulate Mali. I know that this win means a lot for the people of Mali.
“I know that Mali is going through a difficult moment right now, but they are not alone, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, we have many internal problems and people have died.’’
The players and officials will be hoping to go further in the tournament to bring more joy to their compatriots back home at a difficult moment in time.
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.