Sports
Lagos Enforce discipline Into Senior Athletes Team
Fatodu revealed that senior athletes in Team Lagos now have three National Sports Festival to prove themselves or face disengagement from the services.
“Gone are the days when athletes threaten Lagos that we are leaving. Today, we are here to present a renewed vision for sports in Lagos State, one that combines reforms, structure, and sustainability.
“Our agenda is anchored on three main pillars: Sports Development Reforms, a Renewed Grassroots Framework, and a Roadmap to Athletes’ Revitalisation. Together, they represent a future-focused commitment to reposition Lagos as the leading centre of sporting excellence in Africa,” he said.
According to him, sports in Lagos has long been a source of pride and unity, but to meet global standards, the state must embrace reforms that strengthen governance, enforce transparency, and streamline our systems.
“Prior to now, there has never been a central database to identify our athletes and manage their performance. As a result, impostors and athletes past their peak have taken advantage of this gap, using it as a meal ticket. To address this, we are introducing an online portal for the enlistment of senior athletes, monitoring, and performance evaluation.
“These reforms are not short-term measures. They are designed for inclusivity, measurable impact, and sustainability, ensuring Lagos sets the pace for sports administration in Africa.”
He continues: “Greatness in sports begins with strong foundations. That is why our renewed grassroots framework prioritises schools as the heartbeat of talent discovery.
“We are working closely with stakeholders, teachers, parents, and community clubs to strengthen participation while expanding access to facilities across all divisions of the State. Coaches will be better trained and supported, ensuring every child who embraces sports in Lagos sees a clear pathway to success at national a “Our athletes are the core of our ecosystem, and beyond producing champions, we must secure their careers and futures. We are introducing biometric data capture for proper profiling, access to facility and monitoring, alongside career sustainability programmes for life after competition. Athletes will benefit from pathways into coaching, administration, and other professions.”
“Regular assessments will ensure discipline and fairness. Athletes who show no measurable improvement after three consecutive National Sports Festivals will be disengaged, with clear support systems provided for transition,” he stated.
The Director General further revealed that to give structure to these reforms, the state has introduced Team Lagos Reform and Transition Policy, which according to him, will set clear benchmarks for both athletes and coaches, supported by transparent retention, disengagement, and probation protocols.
“Coaches will now operate under clear KPIs, with contracts renewed annually based on performance. All contracts will carry measurable targets, evaluation timelines, and disciplinary and innovation benchmarks. To track progress, we will appoint a sports officer who will act as Athletes’ Liaison Officer, preferably an ex-athlete, who will serve as the direct bridge between athletes and the Commission.
“I must reaffirm that the Lagos State Senior Team remains dissolved. No individual or group is authorised to parade themselves in that capacity until further notice. Plans are underway to reconstitute a new team with renewed discipline, stronger energy, and competitive spirit. I therefore call on aspiring athletes to seize this opportunity and register at https://lssc.lg.gov.ng/
On his part, the Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, said that with the measures in place, everyone in Lagos Sports can be held accountable, just as he urged the athletes and coaches to key into it for a better results.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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