Sports
2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon: Nilayo Sets Record Straight on 10KM Medal Distribution
Joel Ajayi
Nilayo Sports Management Limited extends its deepest appreciation to the tens of thousands of runners who participated in the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon. We remain immensely proud of every athlete’s determination and the vibrant spirit that continues to make this marathon a defining moment for Lagos and Nigeria.
However, we acknowledge with sincere concern that during medal distribution following the
10KM race category, an unexpected and dangerous crowd surge occurred at the 10KM medal collection point.
In the interest of protecting the safety of our runners, volunteers, and staff, medal issuance was temporarily suspended while the situation was brought under control. This decision was taken solely as a safety precaution to prevent potential injuries.
Most importantly, our hearts go out to everyone who was affected by the surge or experienced distress during this period. We understand the excitement and emotion that come with crossing the finish line, and we deeply regret any anxiety, discomfort, or inconvenience caused.
We send our heartfelt wishes to all impacted participants and sincerely hope everyone remains safe and well.
We also observed a significant influx of individuals arriving at the 10KM finish area and attempting to access medals even before the 10KM race had officially commenced. In addition, there were cases of unauthorized participants, including individuals using running bibs from their previous marathon editions that were not issued for the 2026 race.
The presence of this category of illegal runners, and their desperation to obtain medals, significantly intensified congestion and contributed massively to the surge that disrupted the seamless medal collection process.
In response, we have activated robust plans for an immediate and orderly medal re-distribution exercise. In the coming days, medals will be made available for collection by verified runners.
To ensure fairness and proper control, all runners must present their original race bib at designated collection points, where strict queuing protocols, enhanced volunteer presence, and reinforced security measures will be in place.
A comprehensive schedule detailing dates, times, and the exact collection venue will be communicated across all official marathon channels shortly.
Looking ahead, we are implementing additional safeguards, including increased numbers of trained volunteers, controlled queuing barriers at distribution points, and strengthened coordination with security agencies to ensure smoother and safer post-race processes.
An immediate internal review of the medal distribution framework is already underway, and we are fully committed to improving our crowd management systems.We sincerely thank the Lagos State Government for its continued partnership and steadfast support in making the marathon a growing legacy event. We also apologise unreservedly to actual 10KM runners who were inconvenienced, and reaffirm our commitment to resolving all outstanding medal collection concerns promptly, transparently, and fairly.
We deeply value the passion and trust of our running community. Our assurance remains firm that every deserving finisher will receive their medal after due verification, and we will continue to strengthen our processes to ensure that the finish-line experience remains safe, orderly, and truly celebratory for all.
Sports
NSC DG, Olopade Celebrates Nigeria at 66, Assures of More Progressive Sports Development Under President Tinubu
Joel Ajayi
The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has congratulated Nigerians as the nation celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the milestone as a reflection of Nigeria’s resilience, unity and remarkable capacity to excel on the global stage, particularly through sports.
Hon. Olopade said Nigeria at 66 is an occasion every Nigerian should be proud of, noting that despite the challenges encountered over the years, the country has continued to make significant progress and produce achievements capable of inspiring generations.
The DG said the sports sector has particular reasons to celebrate, pointing to a series of performances and milestones by Nigerian athletes and teams across the global sporting landscape.
“Today, we celebrate the resilience of our people, the strength of our unity and our belief in the promise of our great country, especially through sports.
“As we raise our flag with pride, may we remain committed to building a nation where every Nigerian has the opportunity to dream, thrive and succeed.”
Hon. Olopade said the progress being witnessed in Nigerian sports aligns with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria Sports Development (RHINSE), which he said is focused on creating a stronger and more sustainable pathway for athletes, while positioning sports as a tool for national development, youth empowerment and global recognition.
He pointed to Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the latest examples of the country’s sporting potential. Team Nigeria returned from Glasgow with 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, finishing seventh overall and as the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. The campaign also produced three world records and a number of historic milestones across para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, para athletics and judo.
Among the standout performances was that of Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who won gold in para powerlifting and twice broke the world record during the competition, ultimately lifting 175kg. Goodness Nwachukwu also successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s para discus and set a new world record, while Nigeria recorded historic Commonwealth gold medals through Samuel Ogazi in the men’s 400m, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men’s 400m hurdles and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men’s shot put.
“Today, Nigeria is a global force in para-sports, and athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Goodness Nwachukwu continue to demonstrate the extraordinary talent and determination that exist within our country,” Hon. Olopade said.
He also celebrated the continued dominance of D’Tigress, Nigeria’s senior women’s basketball team, which in 2025 became the first nation to win five consecutive FIBA Women’s AfroBasket titles after defeating Mali 78-64 in the final in Abidjan in the last edition. The achievement extended Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the competition to 29 games and secured qualification for the 2026 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup pathway.
On the global athletics scene, Hon. Olopade highlighted the continued excellence of Tobi Amusan and the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian sprinters. Amusan won silver in the women’s 100m hurdles at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September 2026, clocking 12.34 seconds in the final, while Kayinsola Ajayi added another significant milestone by winning Commonwealth bronze in the men’s 100m and helping Nigeria to bronze in the men’s 4x100m relay in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s football heritage, Hon. Olopade noted, remains another major source of national pride. The country holds the record for the most FIFA U-17 World Cup titles, with five championships won by the Golden Eaglets in 1985, 1993, 2007, 2013 and 2015.
He also pointed to the country’s growing influence in emerging sports, including flag football. Nigeria made history by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the inaugural IFAF Africa Flag Football Championship in Cairo in 2025, earning qualification for the 2026 IFAF Flag Football World Championships ahead of the sport’s Olympic debut at Los Angeles 2028.
“These achievements across athletics, para-sports, basketball, football, weightlifting, flag football and other sports remind us that Nigeria possesses immense sporting talent,” the DG said.
“From our champions who continue to break world records to our young athletes who are announcing themselves on the international stage, the Nigerian flag continues to fly with pride around the world. This is why the development of sports must remain a national priority. Our responsibility is not only to celebrate champions after they emerge, but to build the systems, facilities, competitions and opportunities that allow more young Nigerians to become champions.”
“As we celebrate 66 years of our independence, we celebrate Nigeria’s past, but we must also look confidently toward the future. Our athletes have shown us what is possible when talent meets opportunity, preparation and support. The task before us is to ensure that more Nigerians have that opportunity,” the DG added.
“On behalf of the National Sports Commission, I wish all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary. May our great nation continue to grow in strength, unity, prosperity and sporting excellence,” Hon. Olopade concluded.
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