Sports

10th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: A Decade of Fun Run and Growing Prestige

Published

11 months ago

January 30, 2025

…As Corporate giants scramble to join celebration as anticipation reaches fever pitch

Joel Ajayi

Runners are gearing up for the physical demands of the race, journalists are scrambling for accreditation, and fans are eager for the electrifying experience that has defined the event over the years.

As the 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon approaches, excitement is at an all-time high already.

First Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, Solomon Ogba, emphasized the race’s growing reputation, attributing its success to the organizers’ consistent innovation and commitment to excellence.

Beyond its name sponsor, Access Bank, the marathon continues to attract high-profile corporate backing.

Casio has been named the official time partner, while Airtel will serve as the official telecommunications partner.

Other major sponsors and partners include the Lagos State Government, World Athletics, 7Up, Rexona, Unilever, ROBB, Premier, Brila Media, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, FINERGE, and Aquafina, among others.

In the lead-up to the main event, fans will first enjoy the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon EXPO from February 3-13, running daily from 9 AM to 5 PM.

The excitement will then culminate on February 15th, when athletes take to the streets for the highly anticipated race, further cementing the marathon’s status as a premier global sporting event.

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Sports

Game Changer: ₦40 Billion Infusion Set to Revolutionize Nigerian Football

Published

13 hours ago

December 19, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigerian football is on the cusp of a major transformation, thanks to a groundbreaking ₦40 billion investment from Toptier Sports Management.

The 10-year strategic investment is set to supercharge the Nigeria Women’s Football League (NWFL) and the Nigeria National League (NNL), marking a seismic shift in the country’s domestic football landscape.

“This is a long-term investment in structure, people, and possibilities,” said Chichi Nwoko, Founder of Toptier Sports Management.

“If Nigerian football is going to truly compete, it must be built deliberately, funded properly, and managed professionally. That is what this ₦40 billion commitment represents.”

Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC) said “this ₦40 billion commitment is a clear vote of confidence in the reforms taking place across Nigerian sports. At the Commission, we are intentional about creating an environment where credible private investors can partner with government to build sustainable leagues, protect athlete welfare, and grow the sports economy.”

Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, President, Nigeria Football Federation stated that “the NFF welcomes this collaboration because it strengthens our domestic football ecosystem, improving player welfare, enhancing club operations, and creating clear development pathways, particularly for women and emerging talents. This is how we build a future-ready Nigerian football system.”

The massive investment will drive league commercialization, club development, player welfare, and grassroots expansion, setting the stage for a brighter future for Nigerian football.

“We would like to sincerely thank the Director General of the National Sports Commission and the President of the Nigeria Football Federation for their leadership, support, and belief in a private-sector-led future for Nigerian sports,” Nwoko added.

League officials have hailed the deal as a turning point, shifting Nigerian football from short-term funding cycles to sustainable institution-building over the next decade.

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