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Category: Sports

ECOWAS Marathon: Runners to collect kits from Thursday as Expo begins at Eagles Square

Fola Badmus03 mins

Registered runners for the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon will start collecting their running kits on Thursday, when the Marathon Expo begins at the Federal Secretariat Car Park, Eagles Square, Abuja. The 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025. There will be two races: the half-marathon and the 5-kilometer fun race. The half marathon will start and finish at the ECOWAS Commission, while the 5 km will start at the Independence Bridge near Sahad Stores and also finish at the ECOWAS Commission. According to Race Director Gabriel Okon, running bibs and vests must be collected at the VIO Container Booth, Federal Secretariat Car Park, Eagle’s Square, Abuja, from February 20 to 28, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Okon also revealed that participants may only collect their running bibs upon presentation of valid proof of identification. However, participants wishing to have their running numbers collected on their behalf must provide the collector with an authority note, a copy of the completed entry form bearing their photograph, and a copy of their valid proof of identification. Okon said collectors must show proof of their identity to collect the running kits. He revealed that registration is still open to all runners worldwide till February 28. Residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) can pick up physical forms at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Package A, Abuja, the FCT Sports Council and the Area Councils. Speaking on the ECOWAS race, Okon said, “As we are all aware, sport is a powerful tool for bringing people together, and this is no less the case in West Africa. Apart from integrating West Africans, the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon also encourages us—especially residents of FCT, which hosts the ECOWAS Commission—to embrace the culture of walking, jogging, and running, which has immense health benefits. “The ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, from its inaugural edition, has also been a powerful tool of youth empowerment and engagement; and it has had positive impacts on the FCT economy, especially the hospitality and allied industries and acts as a catalyst to boost tourism”.

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Ademola Lookman slams ‘disrespectful’ Atalanta coach

Fola Badmus04 mins

Ademola Lookman has hit back at his own manager after being slammed as “one of the worst penalty-takers I’ve ever seen” following a crushing Champions League defeat. Gian Piero Gasperini made the damning comments after the former Everton winger’s spot kick was saved by ex-Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet in Champions League playoff defeat to Club Brugge. The Nigerian had netted the only goal for La Dea off the bench but they were eliminated 5-2 on aggregate, losing 3-1 on the night. Despite his mixed evening, Gasperini stuck the knife in on the negatives and singled out the 27 year old, who played under Brendan Rodgers at Leicester City, to the media at full time. The Atalanta star missed the spot kick and it was claimed he is not the designated penalty-taker. The Italian coach said: “Lookman was not supposed to take that penalty, he is one of the worst penalty takers I’ve ever seen. He has a frankly terrible record even in training, he converts very few of them. Retegui and De Ketelaere were there, but Lookman in a moment of enthusiasm after scoring decided to take the ball and that was a gesture I did not appreciate at all.” Lookman took to X in response, claiming he has been ‘singled out’ and disrespected. He posted: “It saddens me on a day like this to have to write this statement most of all because of what we have achieved together as a team and as a city. Being singled out in the manner I have been not only hurts but feels deeply disrespectful, not least because of the immense hard work and commitment I have always put in each and every day to help bring success to this club and to the incredible fans of Bergamo. “In truth, I have dealt with many difficult moments during my time here – the majority of which I have never spoken about because in my opinion the team must always be protected and must come first. This makes what happened last night even more hurtful. “Along with our incredible fans, we as a team are hurting too with last night’s result. During the match the designated penalty taker instructed me to take the penalty; and to support the team I took responsibility in the moment to do so. Life’s about challenges and turning pain into power which I’ll continue to do.”

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60th Founders’ Day Anniversary: Ogun Commissioner harps on Youths Devt ahead of Sports Festival

Fola Badmus03 mins

As Ogun State prepares to host the 22nd National Sports Festival, the State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, has reiterated the importance of sports in youth development and nation-building. The National Sports Festival, which is expected to bring together athletes from across the country, will be a showcase of Nigeria’s sporting talents and a celebration of unity, friendship, and healthy competition. The festival will feature various sports, including track and field, swimming, and basketball. Speaking at the 60th Founders’ Day Anniversary celebration of Remo Divisional School Sagamu, Commissioner Isiaka emphasised the significance of hosting the festival, stating, “This festival represents much more than just track and field competitions: it signifies our determination to create a robust sports ecosystem throughout Ogun State.” He noted that the state government’s commitment to youth and sports development is evident in various initiatives aimed at engaging young people. “We recognise that sports play a critical role in building character, fostering teamwork, and nurturing future leaders,” he explained. Commissioner Isiaka also commended the alumni of Remo Divisional School for their contributions to the institution and the community, saying, “Your commitment to giving back to your roots not only enriches our community but also positively impacts society and our government. Your contributions are invaluable and serve as a testament to the strong foundation that this institution has established over the years.” The commissioner urged the current students of Remo Divisional School to take advantage of the resources available to them, including sports, to become well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens. He advised, “Learn not just from your textbooks, but from your involvement in activities like sports, the arts, and community service. These experiences will help shape you into well-rounded individuals and responsible citizens.”

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Lagos Marathon: World Athletics delegates commend Yussuf Alli

Fola Badmus03 mins

World Athletics delegates to the 10th edition of the Lagos City Marathon held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, have commended the organisational acumen, of Yussuf Alli, the General Manager of the Lagos City Marathon. The World Athletics delegates to the Lagos City Marathon are Anna Molisova Air Quality Project Manager World Athletics, Olivia Meyonette Sweeney, Nadeem Kamm and ⁠Sadiq Sudan. Speaking after the 10th edition of Africa’s biggest one-day sports event, the delegates were amazed by the organisational acumen of the technical aspects of the race which was handled by Alli and they admit, it is at par with the technical organisation of the seven biggest marathons in the world- New York, Berlin, London, Boston, Chicago, Tokyo, and Sydney. “The technical organisation of the marathon is at par with the best races in the world, we commend Alli and his fantastic team, they did a good job.” The team also commended Alli for his brilliant idea of starting the race early which enabled the runner to run fast times despite the harsh weather. “Despite the hot weather, the first runner still crossed the finish line in under 2 hours 15 minutes, if Alli had organised this race in Berlin or any city with friendly weather, the winner would probably finish in 2 hours, 2 minutes.” Widely regarded as the godfather of marathons and road races in Nigeria, Alli made his name in sports as a jumper, sprinter and footballer. His transition from field events to organizing and managing marathon road races and marathons shocked many including the World Athletics Road Running Manager Alessio Punzi. When he visited Nigeria, Punzi was shocked that Alli he knew as a world-class jumper was the same Alli who was doing wonders in road races and marathons. A major asset in the planning and organisation of iconic races like the MTN Marathon, Glo Marathon, We Run Lagos, Aba Marathon, Obudu Mountain Race, and many others, Alli organises and manages the two World Athletics Gold Label races in Nigeria: the Okpekpe 10 Km Road Race and the Lagos City Marathon.

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NFF mourns passing of midfield pearl, Ayo Ogunlana

Fola Badmus03 mins

The Nigeria Football Federation has condoled the family of former Nigeria international midfielder Ayo Ogunlana, who died in Kaduna on Friday after observing his early-morning walk. NFF General Secretary, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, showered tributes on the departed midfield pearl, who was a star attraction during a number of important Nigeria FA Cup battles in the 1980s and held sway in the middle for the Super Eagles in the late 1980s, and at the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Algeria. “We are very sad to learn of the sudden passing of Ayo Ogunlana, only a couple of weeks after the demise of another former Eagle, Moses Effiong (a member of the 1980 AFCON-winning Green Eagles squad, in far away USA). Ogunlana was a great midfielder who made playing football look so easy with his majestic touches and turns, and his magnificent free-kicks. “We pray that the Almighty will grant both of them eternal rest and grant the families they have left behind the fortitude to bear the losses.” Ogunlana was magisterial in the midfield as Nigeria overhauled Guinea and Zimbabwe to qualify for the 1990 Africa Cup of Nations, and was imperial against Cameroon in a 1990 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Ibadan that the Super Eagles won with an emphatic 2-0. He also played in the 1990 ECOWAS Cup competition that Nigeria hosted in Kaduna. In March 1990, the midfield generalissimo earned rave reviews as Nigeria finished with the silver medals at the 17th Africa Cup of Nations in Algeria, even coming close to bagging Nigeria a late equalizer in the final against hosts and winners Algeria, from his favourite dead-ball position.

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Man Utd, PSG make offers for Osimhen

Fola Badmus03 mins

Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain have both indicated a willingness to trigger the release clause in Victor Osimhen’s contract with Napoli and are now in talks with the Nigeria international, a report has claimed. Osimhen was heavily linked with Chelsea last summer but, after seeing talks collapse late on, ultimately joined Turkish side Galatasaray on loan for the season. There is no option for a permanent transfer in the agreement. While Galatasaray are keen to retain Osimhen, they are facing an uphill battle and Yagiz Sabuncuoglu has revealed both United and PSG have firmly ramped up their interest in the 26-year-old. “Victor Osimhen is about to sign a deal with a world-famous management company,” he told Sports Digitale. “In fact, a Real Madrid player is mediating these talks. What does this mean? The possibility of signing with Galatasaray in June has decreased a lot. “PSG and Manchester United made verbal offers to the player regarding salary and contract period. Because both clubs agreed to give Napoli the release clause. It is very difficult for Galatasaray to compete with these two clubs. He is most likely leaving at the end of the season.” The exact value of Osimhen’s release clause is not known but reports suggest it has dropped to around the £65m mark – an incredibly affordable fee for Europe’s elite sides, although United head coach Ruben Amorim has already voiced concerns about the Red Devils’ transfer budget in summer. Osimhen has retained his lethal streak in front of goal since moving to Turkey. He has racked up 17 goals and five assists in 23 appearances across all competitions, matching his goal tally from last season during his time with Napoli.

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EPL: Calvin Bassey seals Fulham victory over Forest

Fola Badmus03 mins

Fulham showed their aerial dominance as two headed goals helped them secure a 2-1 win over Premier League top-four contenders Nottingham Forest. Chris Wood netted his 18th goal of the season at Craven Cottage but it was not enough for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side as headers from Emile Smith Rowe and Calvin Bassey allowed Manchester City and Bournemouth to close the gap on Forest in third. It was a third successive victory in all competitions for Fulham following back-to-back wins against Newcastle in the league and Wigan in the FA Cup last Saturday. Marco Silva opted to start Adama Traore on the right and the decision was nearly repaid in the 12th minute when his looped cross to the head of Raul Jimenez went narrowly wide of the bottom left corner as Forest’s poor marking went unpunished. Shortly afterwards, the winger was involved in another move which this time saw Fulham rewarded for their quick start. A series of precise passing saw the hosts beat Forest’s press and, after Traore received the ball out wide, he used the inside of his weaker left foot to curve a cross to the surging Smith Rowe, who nodded past Matz Sels from inside the six-yard area. The opener, which was a team goal that saw goalkeeper Bernd Leno play a part in the build-up, highlighted the gulf in class between the two sides with Forest hardly getting a touch on the ball in the final third. Nuno’s men beat Brighton 7-0 in their last league match, but sloppy passes in the midfield and a willingness to sit deep with their back five invited more pressure as they struggled to replicate that performance. This meant Fulham continued to barrage the goal, with Sels forced to tip Jimenez’s creative outside-of-the-boot shot wide in the 30th minute.

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Cote d’Ivoire 2025: Flying Eagles coach accepts North Africans, South Africa challenge

Fola Badmus03 mins

The head coach of Flying Eagles, Aliyu Zubairu, has voiced his optimism following Thursday’s group stage draw for the Africa U20 Cup of Nations, which will take place in Cote d’Ivoire, 26th April – 18th May. The Nigerian team finds itself in a demanding group alongside traditional powerhouses Morocco, Egypt, and South Africa, all of whom have a rich history in African youth football. In his reaction to the draw, Coach Zubairu remarked: “It’s a very good draw. If a team truly aspires to reach the FIFA World Cup, there is no need to shy away from any opponent. Facing Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa at this stage presents a tremendous opportunity. I believe it’s a blessing.” This perspective not only highlights Zubairu’s confidence in his squad’s capabilities but also underscores his commitment to challenging his players against formidable rivals, which can ultimately foster their development and resilience. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Coach Zubairu stressed the necessity of mental preparation as his team gears up for these high-stakes matches. He is keen on instilling a robust sense of self-belief within his players, emphasizing that they should approach every opponent with respect and seriousness. “We need to dispel the notion that this is a ‘group of death,’” he said. “In African football, there are no small teams anymore. The key is to prepare very well. A lesser-known nation can surprise everyone if they come prepared.” To ensure the team is adequately prepared for the task, the NFF has not only put the Flying Eagles in camp to resume training, with a 30-man squad, but has also organised a two-match tour of Cairo for the team to play the Egyptian U20 team at the end of this month. The friendly matches in Cairo have been scheduled for 25th and 27th February.

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