Sports
Abuja International Marathon: Top Nigerian runners Gyang, Pam fired up for Kenya, Ethiopia challenge
Nigeria’s top elite runners have stepped up their preparations for the maiden Abuja International Marathon billed to take place in the Federal Capital Territory on December 17, 2022.
The organizers of the Abuja International Marathon have already promised an elite cast of runners with some of the world’s top runners from Kenya and Ethiopia already confirmed for the race.
AIM organizers are determined to achieve its objective of becoming the first race in Nigeria to have an elite men’s field that will return a sub 2:10 minutes.
Instead of being jittery about the world-class runners that would be in Abuja for the marathon, Nigerian elite runners are excited and ready for the challenge.
Leading the line of Nigerian runners hoping to make a mark at the Abuja race is the duo of Emmanuel Gyang and Deborah Pam who have both won several accolades in the past years.
In a chat with the Abuja International Marathon Media team, Gyan particularly expressed delight that he would be rubbing shoulders with some of the best runners across the world in a few months’ time.
According to Gyang, his preparations have been going on well and his major mission in the December race is to lower his Personal Best time which is at 2hrs 25 minutes presently.
“Of course, I am delighted we are having an international race of this magnitude in Abuja, unlike other races that I have to embark on long journeys, this is very close to my base in Jos and it should have a positive effect on my performance” Gyang declared.
“I am aware that there will be runners from across the world in Abuja, especially the Kenyans and Ethiopians, what I can say is that we would give them a good challenge, beyond anything else, my target is to lower my PB to at least 2hrs.18mins thereabout” he added.
Gyang is no stranger to road races in Abuja having won back-to-back editions of the Para Military half marathon races in 2017 and 2018.
The petite run has also recorded successes at the ECOWAS half marathon as well as the Anti Corruption races among others.
Just like Gyang, Pam has described the Abuja International Marathon as her biggest race for 2022, and she is keen to finish the year on a high.
“Since my childbirth, I have been coming back to run gradually. Abuja International Marathon is one of my top targets for the year and I am confident I will do well by God’s grace” Pam assured.
Sports
Vipers VC celebrate captain Esther Mbah on birthday
Cyril Ogar
Vipers Volleyball Club have felicitated with their captain, Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
In a statement signed by the Vipers VC Team Manager, Suraj Abiodun Jabar; the club described Mbah as a leader who has consistently demonstrated excellence both on and off the court.
The statement also praised the Nigerian international for her valuable contributions to the club.
The statement mentioned her role in guiding Vipers to a second-place finish at the 2026 CAVB Zone 3 Club Championship in Ghana.
It read: “The management of Vipers Volleyball Club wants to celebrate Esther Mbah on the occasion of her birthday.
“She has been an asset to Vipers since joining the club, demonstrating outstanding commitment, dedication and leadership.
“Her contributions to the growth and success of the team have been invaluable.
“We appreciate her efforts, professionalism and the positive influence she continues to have on her teammates. We wish her more successful years ahead, good health and greater achievements.”
The club concluded its birthday message by wishing the experienced player continued success as she leads the team towards achieving more honours.
Beyond her achievements at club level, Mbah won a bronze medal for Nigeria at the 2024 African Games in Ghana, further establishing herself as one of the country’s accomplished volleyball players.
She has also secured qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, adding another milestone to her growing career.
In their separate messages, board members of Nigeria Volleyball Federation, James Datuhun and Chinedu Onikeku (OLY) as well as Coordinator of Vipers VC, Samuel Onikeku wished the Nigeria international a glamorous birthday.
They hailed Esther Mbah for exhibiting a high level of leadership trait since joining the team.
The stakeholders prayed for good health and ultimately success as she prepares for the Beach Volleyball event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
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