Sports
ECOWAS Marathon: Nigerians win 5km
Marathoners set to take off.Kenyans and Ethiopians dominated the half-marathon event of the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon on Saturday, while Nigerian runners claimed victory in the 5km race.
Kenya’s Harrison Muchira Wanjiru won the men’s half-marathon in 1 hour 04.39 minutes, followed by compatriot Adam Sulaiman Muhamad, who finished second in 1.05.27, while Nigeria’s Francis James Musa took third position in 1.05.51.
In the women’s category, Ethiopians ruled the race as Lydia Natiyaka Wamalawa crossed the finish line first in 1 hour 15.3 minutes. Her countrywoman, Aberash Minsewo, came second in 1.17.14, with Nigeria’s Patience Dalyop finishing third in 1.21.15.
Nigerian runners dominated the 5km race and claimed most of the prizes reserved for ECOWAS citizens.
Thousands of participants took to the streets of Abuja on Saturday as the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon kicked off at the ECOWAS Commission Yakubu Gowon Way shortly after 8am, with the 5km race following soon after.
Elite runners in the 21-kilometre race competed for Africa’s most lucrative half-marathon prize of $10,000 for the top finisher, while top runners in the 5km race also aimed for substantial prize money.
Former presidential aspirant Omoyele Sowore, a familiar face at marathons and road races in Nigeria, America and other parts of the world, used the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon as another platform to spread his message of justice for humanity.
Sowore ran alongside members of the #Run with Sowore Group and his Lazy Man Athletics Club.
For many participants like Blessing Mozie, running has become a lifestyle choice. As a staff member of the Down Syndrome Foundation of Nigeria, Mozie participated because running is integral to her life.
Having previously completed several full marathons in the Lagos City Marathon, Mozie opted for the 5km race in Abuja as she was unfamiliar with the capital’s routes.
“I was born in Lagos, I grew up there, so I am familiar with the route, but I am not too familiar with the Abuja routes. Maybe in future, I will run the half marathon and the full marathon in Abuja,” she said.
“I think running is something everybody should do because of its immense health benefits.”
“For me, running is not a fashion statement but a way of life because it is good for the body generally, and I am encouraging everybody to embrace the culture of running; the benefits are immeasurable,” Mozie added.
An estimated 5,000 Nigerian and international runners competed for the $71,000 prize money on Saturday, with men’s and women’s winners of the 21km half-marathon each receiving $10,000.
The first 200 runners to cross the finish line received bronze medals for their participation.
The Chairman of the Main Organising Committee and ECOWAS Director of Youth and Sports, Amb. Francis Njoaguani, said the event was part of activities marking ECOWAS at 50.
Njoaguani stated that the initiative aims to encourage regional participation and celebrate homegrown talent.
He noted that the goal is to achieve World Athletics Gold Label status within the next four years, positioning the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon among the most prestigious road races globally.
The National Division One and Division Two Volleyball Leagues organised by the Volleyball Federation of Nigeria and sponsored by Alex Otti has kicked off in Umuahia, Abia State.
The Championship features 34 teams from across the country, with about 22 States already participating in activities lined up for the ten-day event.
Addressing journalists at the Umuahia Stadium, the Referee Coach for the tournament and Vice Chairman Nigerian Volleyball Referees Association, Mohamed Mohamed, assured of fair officiating in the competition and advised the athletes to be more disciplined in the field of play, saying that volleyball is known to be a disciplined sport.
He also commended Governor Alex Otti for sponsoring the tournament for the second time.
“Last year, we were here, and we so appreciate the Abia State Government for sponsoring such a competition. The same thing happened this year too, we are here again.
The Coordinator, Lagos Women Run, Tayo Popoola, has stated that the All Women 10km Race aims to connect through their communities, while creating empowerment opportunities.
The 10th edition with the theme: “One Run, a thousand Opportunities,” will come up on the November 8th, 2025, with the start point at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere and end at the Mobolaji Johnson Sports Arena, Onikan.
This year’s edition of the Lagos Women Run marks a significant milestone, celebrating the program’s journey, the vibrant city of Lagos, and the incredible women who have been part of it since its inception.
It will focus more on empowering women, acknowledging their dedication, and ensuring the program’s sustainability by providing participants with opportunities they deserve.
Popoola added that the race has achieved remarkable success in making women happy and uncovering talents, serving as a platform for participants to train for bigger road races, which fosters a strong sense of community, allowing women of all ages to connect, network, and celebrate themselves.
The event’s non-discriminatory nature makes it a level playing ground, open to everyone regardless of social status, by promoting general well-being among women.
The Franco-Malian tactician made the bold declaration whilst speaking to Nigerian legend Segun Odegbami on 90 Minutes with Mathematical on Eagle7FM on Saturday, expressing gratitude to fans for their support.
“Thanks to the fans. Thanks to Nigeria. I am so happy that I have brought back the smiles on their faces,” Chelle said.
“We beat Benin because the fans pushed the players. I ask them this: They have to do this (for the playoffs)… I plan to do my best for Nigeria, and Inshallah, we will go to the FIFA World Cup.”
Chelle, who took charge of a struggling Nigerian side in January, has transformed the team’s fortunes after inheriting a squad on the brink of disaster. Nigeria were winless in their first four qualifiers, with three draws and one defeat threatening to derail another World Cup dream.
Under his leadership, the Super Eagles rallied to win four and draw two of their last six games, collecting 14 points from a possible 18. The highlight came earlier this month in Uyo, where Nigeria swept past Benin Republic 4-0 in a statement victory that reignited national belief.
However, the revival was not enough to seal automatic qualification. Nigeria finished among the four best runners-up in Africa and must now navigate a continental playoff in November for a spot in next March’s intercontinental tie.
The first challenge is a one-legged showdown with Gabon, with Cameroon or DR Congo potentially waiting beyond.
Chelle’s message to his players was uncompromising, saying, “Qualifying for the FIFA World Cup is not a war, but it is like a war… My players need to have a warrior state of mind… They have to be like sharks.”