Sports
Abuja, Asaba, Others To Host Marathons Soon – Organiser
The organisers of Nigeria’s biggest Marathon, Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd, (NSML), yesterday said that other cities such as Abuja, Asaba and other states would soon host marathon races.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of NSML, Bukola Olopade, made the disclosure in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the NSML management’s visit to the traditional ruler of Remoland, King Adewale Ajayi, a.k.a “Akarigbo Remoland”.
The NSML management visited the paramount ruler of Remoland as part of the activities to mark the “Remo Ultra-Marathon” where athletes from 35 countries were being expected.
Tidesports source gathered that Nilayo Sports Management Ltd is the organisers of the Value Jet IAU African Championships 2019 scheduled to hold in Sagamu and adjourning cities on December 7.
The sports management company was also behind the just-concluded Jac Motors 10km Abeokuta Marathon won by 21-year-old Kenyan athlete, Biwott Kemboi.
Olopade said that other states in Nigeria were craving to have their respective long distance races taking a cue from the successful hosting of Lagos Marathon and Abeokuta.
“We are on the verge of announcing a major breakthrough for the Abuja Marathon, we have secured three sponsorships; we have just secured the headline sponsor.
“We believe that there should be more road races in Nigeria but the fact is that we cannot do it alone, we are challenging other stakeholders to come on board as well.
“Road race is healthy and makes people keep fit for a better life, our vision is to see more states in Nigeria join the marathon race. Cities like Ile-Ife, Onitsha Enugu and other cities.
“I was disappointed when the Onitsha Marathon failed to hold, but I have been approached by the state government to organise the race and we are looking forward to it.
Olopade said that plans were in the pipeline to have marathon in other cities such as Asaba, adding that the race would soon be a culture in Nigeria.
“We have concluded plans to have a 21km marathon in Asaba through the leadership of the Sports Commission, led by Tony Okowa. For us, this is a big development.
“What we envisage is that road races cannot but continue to grow in Nigeria, but no matter how many races we want to have, it won’t be successful without the support of the private sector.
“I just got confirmation that Sifax company will be joining the sponsorship train for the Sagamu race, we also have Keystone Bank, Seven Up Bottling Company and the lead sponsor, Value Jet.
“In terms of size, Remo race is bigger, but we also have 5km race for the indigenes and also the school children who will be part of the race,” he said.
Nigeria’s Chukwuebuka Enekwechi began his 2026 season with victory at the Orlen Cup in ?ód?, producing a dominant 20.82m throw to win the men’s shot put at the World Athletics Indoor Tour Silver meeting in Poland, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Africa record holder finished ahead of Romania’s Andrei Toader, who placed second with 20.55m, while Serbia’s Armin Sinan?evi? took third on 19.93m.
Poland’s Szymon Mazur, the best-placed home athlete, finished fourth with 19.69m, with Italy’s Nick Ponzio completing the top five on 19.58m.
The rest of the field was headed by Piotr Go?dziewicz (18.02m), Jakub Korejba (17.55m), Wojciech Marok (17.48m), Damian Rodziak (17.23m) and Ukraine’s Maksym Lebediuk (15.75m).
Enekwechi’s winning mark gave him a clear margin over the field and underlined his status as one of world’s leading throwers, as he laid down an early marker for the new campaign in his traditional season-opening competition.
The result also marked an improvement shift in his Orlen Cup history. This was his third consecutive appearance at the meeting and his third straight season opener with the event, having previously finished second in 2024 with 21.14m and again in 2025 with 20.88m.
On this occasion, he converted consistency into victory, finally standing on the top step of the podium in ?ód?.
Enekwechi is the reigning two-time African champion in the shot put, a silver medallist at the 2018 Commonwealth Games and a two-time African Games champion, having won titles in 2019 and 2023.
His performance in Poland continues a career trajectory that has established him as Nigeria’s leading figure in the event and one of the continent’s most reliable performers on the global circuit.
The women’s competition at the meeting was won by Poland’s Zuzanna Ma?lana.
With the 2026 season now under way, Enekwechi’s opening victory at the Orlen Cup sets an early tone for the year ahead, as he builds momentum towards major continental and international championships.
The next edition of the Orlen Cup is scheduled to take place in ?ód? in February 2027.
Tanzanian giants Simba have opened discussions over a potential move for Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as they look to reinforce their squad following an injury to first-choice shot-stopper Moussa Camara, Tidesports source reports.
The 29-year-old, who plays for South Africa Premiership side Chippa United, is in the final six months of his contract and is eligible to enter pre-contract negotiations with foreign clubs.
Foot Africa reported that Simba are exploring the possibility of bringing Nwabali to Dar es Salaam either during the current window or on a free transfer at the end of the season, although no agreement has been reached.
“Sources have indicated that Simba are in active talks with the player’s camp in a bid to lure him to Dar es Salaam in the ongoing window or on a free transfer – but no agreement reached,” Foot Africa reported.
Simba’s interest has been accelerated by Camara’s knee injury, which prompted the club to move quickly to sign Mahamadou Tanja Kassila from Niger’s AS FAN.
The club are reportedly considering deregistering Camara to accommodate the new foreign signing, a situation that has frustrated the Guinea international, who has asked for the remaining six months of his contract to be terminated.
In their search for a longer-term solution, Simba identified Nwabali as a prime target, although formal negotiations with his club have yet to begin.
“Simba identified Nwabali as the ideal successor to Camara, but the club is yet to submit a formal bid to Chippa United, who are open to offers,” Foot Africa added.
Nwabali’s profile has continued to rise following his performances for Nigeria, most notably at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where he kept four clean sheets in seven matches as the Super Eagles secured a bronze medal.
Oyo State is set to return to the continental football spotlight as it prepares to host Nigeria’s Falconets in a crucial 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match against Senegal’s Lioness of Teranga.
The highly anticipated encounter is scheduled for Saturday, February 7, 2026, at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan. The Oyo State Government said the state was selected for the fixture following its successful hosting of a previous Falconets’ qualifier, further underlining its growing profile as a destination for international sporting events.
In a statement on Monday Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Wasilat Adegoke, confirmed that preparations were in top gear to ensure a hitch-free match. She said the choice of Oyo State as host was a reflection of confidence in the state’s sporting infrastructure, organisational competence and security architecture.
She recalled the emphatic victory recorded by the Falconets against Rwanda at the same venue last year, describing the match as a testament to the state’s readiness to stage major sporting events.
“The successful hosting of the Falconets against Rwanda showcased Oyo State’s world-class facilities and our capacity to organise international fixtures that meet global standards,” Adegoke said. “The Lekan Salami Stadium has continued to serve as a fortress for our national teams, and we are confident the Falconets will once again make the nation proud.”
Adegoke also disclosed that the Falconets are expected to arrive in Ibadan today ahead of the qualifier, to allow ample time for acclimatisation and final preparations. She added that the team would enjoy full logistical support from the state throughout their stay.
The Falconets, who reached the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup in Japan 14 years ago, will go into the last round of the qualifying series if they win this encounter, to confront the winner of the Guinea-Bissau/Malawi fixture, for one of Africa’s four tickets at the final tournament.
The 12th edition of the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals will be staged in Poland, from September 5 to 27, 2026.
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