Sports
CHAN: Morocco Beats Holders Tunisia, Nigeria Overwhelms Cote d’Ivoire
Morocco shocked title-holders Tunisia and Nigeria overpowered Ivory Coast in 2014 African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifiers.
A brace from star midfielder Sunday Mba helped Nigeria trounce nine-man Ivory Coast 4-1 in Kaduna and virtually seal a place in the finals for the first time.
Morocco is equally well-placed to compete in South Africa next January after a 1-0 win away to Tunisia via a late Abdessamad Mbarki goal.
Mali, Senegal and Burkina Faso built leads at home in other matches while a FIFA ban forced Cameroon to cancel their fixture against Gabon.
Nigeria ‘s Super Eagles are strongly positioned to progress in a competition restricted to footballers playing in their country of birth. Coach Stephen Keshi took eight local stars to the Confederations Cup in Brazil last month and all were in the squad to face the Ivorians.
Although a home victory was expected for Nigeria, Ivory Coast did not help themselves by having Roger Assale and Baresi Gloudeaou sent off in the second half. Nigeria was already 3-1 ahead at that point, and Ifeanyi Benjamin added just one more goal to the score-line.
Star midfielder Sunday Mba had already punished Ivory Coast by scoring in each half and Gambo Mohammed was the other Nigerian marksman. Mba also scored the winner when Nigeria eliminated pre-tournament favourites Ivory Coast this year en route to winning the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa. Tiecoura Koulibaly was on target for the visitors just before the break to leave The Elephants trailing 2-1 at half-time.
Elsewhere, two second-half red cards to Moroccans Mohamed Aberhoune and Salaheddine Essaidi could not prevent Tunisia losing in the Mediterranean resort of Sousse. Seeking a first appearance at the finals, Morocco snatched victory in the final minute when Mbarki finished off a swift counterattack. While most second legs are scheduled for the end of July, the north African rivals meet again next weekend in coastal city Tangier.
Mali came from behind to overcome Guinea 3-1 in Bamako through goals from Moussa Kone, Cheick Doumbia and Drissa Traore. Guinea , who squeezed past Sierra Leone on away goals in the preliminary round, went ahead on eighth minutes through Sambegou Bangoura.
Yannick Gomis scored nine minutes after half-time to give Senegal a 1-0 victory over minnows Mauritania in Dakar. The Mauritanians beat Liberia home and away to reach the first round and are trying to reach the finals of a CAF competition for the first time.
A solitary goal also settled the match between Burkina Faso and Niger in Ouagadougou with substitute Issouf Kabore scoring for the home side, and Burundi drew 1-1 with Sudan in Bujumbura. Tambwe Amissi put Burundi ahead with Salah Ibrahim equalising for Sudan from the penalty spot.
FIFA banned Cameroon over state meddling in the running of football, leading to the cancellation of their fixture with Gabon in Yaounde.
Hosts South Africa are automatic participants in the 2014 tournament and will be joined by 15 nations after region-based qualifiers.
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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