Sports
Nigerian Clubs Suffer Misery In Africa
Apart from Enugu Rangers, who were victorious over Vital’O of Burundi on Sunday, Nigeria’s other three representatives on the continent have crashed out from both the Champions League and Confederations Cup.
Kano Pillars were thrown out of this seasons CAF Champions League by AC Leopards of Congo Brazzaville who beat them 3-0. The Nigerian champions had won the first-leg in Kano 4-1, but with the aggregate score being 4-4 Leopards advance on the away goal rule.
Lobi Stars were humiliated in Maputo as they were taught a footballing lesson by Liga Muculmana who beat them 7-1. Lobi had recorded a 3-1 victory over the Taca de Mozambique holders, but lost 8-4 on aggregate.
Despite Heartland having a slim 2-1 advantage from the first-leg, US Bitam of Gabon were given a walkover after Heartland failed to arrive early due to complications in their flight schedule.
The Naze Millioaires had arrived Gabon late last Saturday and were hoping that in the spirit of fair play the game would be moved to Sunday since it fell within the official fixture timeframe which was between Friday the 5th to Sunday the 7th of April.
Heartland has now launched a protest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), accusing their hosts of not allowing them utilize the three-day window within which the game could be held.
Pending the outcome of Heartland’s appeal, Rangers remain Nigeria’s only surviving representatives on the continent after they knocked out Vital’O of Burundi following their 2-0 aggregate win on Sunday.
The Flying Antelopes will now face Angola’s Recreativo de’ Libobo who knocked out Sudanese giants Al Merreikh with a 4-2 aggregate win, after recording beating the Sudanese Red Devils home and away.
Libobo were also responsible for the ouster of South Africa’s Orlando Pirates in the preliminary round of the competition last season.
The NPFL games for last weekend were postponed because of the clubs campaigning on the continent.
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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