Sports

Abuja International Marathon sign more elite runners, add 10km Fun Run

Published

4 years ago

August 25, 2022

Determined to achieve its objective of becoming the first full marathon in Nigeria to have an elite field that will run a sub 2hrs: 10 mins, the Abuja International Marathon has signed more elite runners for its inaugural race slated for December 17, 2022.

In a statement signed by Race Director Olukayode Thomas, the Abuja International Marathon Managing Director Zsuzsanna Ogunmiloyo disclosed that the December 17 race will also include a 10 km fun race apart from the full marathon which will start at the City Gate and take runners through the most beautiful parts of Abuja and the 5km race for youths and children in their early teens.

According to Ogunmiloyo, the newly signed elite runners are Emmanuel Naibei with a personal best of 2:08:27, Josphat Kiprop Kiptis with a personal best of 2:13:47, and Benard Sang with a personal best of 2:10:59.

They also include two women Beatrice Cherop with a personal best of 2:31:07 and Esther Macharia with a personal best of 2:27:15 .

Earlier, Ogunmiloyo confirmed the signing of four gold labelled runners: two men and two women they are Andrew Kimtai, who boasts a personal best of 2:08 32. Gilbert Masai, with a personal best of 2:09:49, h two female runners, Caroline Jepchirchir with a personal best of 2:26 and Naomi Maiyo with a personal best of 2:30.

Ogunmiloyo who was in Birmingham, England for the 2022 Commonwealth to support the Team Nigeria contingent said discussions are ongoing with some Nigeria elite athletes who won medals and global acclaim at the Commonwealth Games to be part of the Abuja International Marathon.

‘’ The weeks leading to the Abuja International Marathon will be a celebration of the best of Nigeria sports.

Apart from the Marathon Expo which starts December 1 and ends December 16, we have so many other activities which include elite athletes from Nigeria and other parts of the world organizing clinics for pupils from schools in different parts of FCT. We are going to celebrate the best of FCT and a lot of positives about Nigeria,’’

About 200 elite runners will participate in the Abuja International, 80 from different parts of the world and 120 from Nigeria.

‘’ We are working closely with the High Altitude Club of Jos and other elite running clubs in Nigeria. Our aim is to see Nigerians excel in middle distance races, long distance, road races, marathons, and other aspects of athletics not only in Nigeria but worldwide.

“We have the to achieve and the dream of Unicentral Resources Generation Limited, the licensee of Abuja International Marathon, is ensuring we achieved that potential soon’’ said Ogunmiloyo.

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Sports

Badminton Federation of Nigeria Targets Grassroots Growth, Coaches’ Capacity Building

Published

14 hours ago

May 14, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The President of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria (BFN), Francis Orbih, says the federation has launched an ambitious reform programme anchored on structured planning, grassroots development, and long-term athlete progression across all levels of the sport.

Speaking on Thursday in Abuja, after two-day retreat at ANOCA building where board members, technical experts, and stakeholders gathered under the theme: Repositioning Badminton for Sustainable Growth’ gathered to chart a way forward for the Game.

Orbih said the sessions were designed to align stakeholders on a unified four-year strategic roadmap focused on improving governance, strengthening performance systems, and expanding participation nationwide.

He noted that key priorities discussed include technical development, coaching education, athlete welfare, and a more coordinated grassroots structure through school-based programmes.

According to him, the federation has approved the creation of 11 committees to drive implementation of its reforms, with emphasis on accountability, coordination, and measurable performance outcomes.

“We wanted a collective approach where decisions are jointly owned and implemented, with clear and measurable results.

‘’A major pillar of the plan is grassroots badminton development, particularly in schools.’’

He explained that while outreach programmes have existed, the federation is now shifting toward a more structured and data-driven approach with wider national coverage.

Orbih disclosed that the federation currently reaches an average of 25 to 30 schools per zonal outreach programme, but plans are underway to expand coverage across more states and increase consistency of engagement.

He also highlighted gaps in coaching capacity, noting that the number of certified coaches in Nigeria remains relatively low compared to other countries. The federation, he said, will intensify coaching education and certification programmes to close the gap and improve technical standards.

“We have over 100 coaches in Nigeria, but many are not actively engaged in continuous training. We want to strengthen that system and raise the standard,” he added.

The BFN president further confirmed the introduction of structured age-grade development pathways, covering under-12, under-15, under-19, and other youth categories to ensure seamless progression from grassroots to elite level.

President added that, federation plans to organise more age-group tournaments to sustain player development and improve competitive exposure.

Speaking also, the Technical Director of the federation, Tunde Kashim, also emphasised that the technical department remains central to the reform agenda, describing it as the “engine room” of badminton development in the country.

He said the department is reviewing player databases, coaching structures, and competition pathways to ensure a stronger performance system.

Kashim added that efforts will be made to upgrade coaching levels across the country, including progression through certification tiers, while also addressing the declining number of active coaches in the system.

He further revealed plans to expand youth competitions across multiple age categories, including under-12, under-15, under-16, and under-19 levels, aimed at strengthening the talent pipeline from schools to elite competition.

According to him, the federation is also working with state stakeholders to improve facilities and increase participation, while preparing for upcoming national and continental engagements.

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