Sports

Edo State to Host 2024 Nigeria Rugby Football Federation League and NRFF General Congress

Published

2 years ago

June 4, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Nigeria Rugby Football Federation (NRFF) has awarded Edo State the hosting rights for the 2024 National League for the South South Zone.

This decision marks a significant milestone for Edo State, often referred to as the “Heart Beat of Nigeria,” as it gears up to welcome teams from across the South South region.

Teams from Delta, Rivers, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Edo will compete for the zonal title and a ticket to the national Super Six finals. This regional league is part of a broader competition held across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones—South West, South South, South East, North Central, North East, and North West. The winners from each region will advance to compete for the national title.

The Edo State Rugby Association has graciously accepted the opportunity to host this prestigious event, which is expected to enhance the sport’s profile and development within the state.

NRFF President Dr. Ademola Are praised the chairman of the Edo State Rugby Association, Comrade Sunny Osayande, an astute businessman with a keen vision, along with his vice chairman, Mr Asuen Marcel for their unwavering support and dedication to the growth of rugby in Edo.

Dr. Are also congratulated the state on having five of its players in the national team that recently participated in the African Games in Ghana.

During his visit, Dr. Are engaged with various stakeholders in Edo at all levels, reaffirming the NRFF’s commitment to the growth of sports in the state.

In the South West, 5 Clubs from Lagos and 1 from Ogun State will compete for the Cup. this further demonstrates the NRFF’s strategic approach to developing rugby across Nigeria.

Fixtures and plans for other regions will be announced in the coming days as preparations for the 2024 Nigeria Rugby Football Federation League gathers momentum.

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Sports

Gang James Makes History Despite Second-Place Finish in Abuja Half Marathon

Published

27 mins ago

November 15, 2026

The Gleamer

Cyril Ogar

Ethiopia’s Gemechu Tolosa Daba on Saturday emerged winner of the men’s elite race at the third edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, finishing ahead of Nigeria’s Gang James, who set a new national record.

Tolosa crossed the finish line in an impressive time of 1:01:56 to claim the top prize of $8,000 in the 21km race, while Nigeria’s James finished second in 1:01:58, setting a new Nigerian national record.

James also emerged as the best Nigerian runner, earning $6,000 for his second-place finish in the international category, alongside ₦1.5 million as the winner of the local runners’ category.

Kenya’s Lampard Kingoo finished third in 1:01:59, while compatriot Enos Kipruto came fourth in 1:02:06. Uganda’s Julius Ochieng completed the top five with a time of 1:02:27.

The race, which attracted more than 5,000 participants, started opposite the Federal Fire Service on Mohammed Buhari Way and ended at the Velodrome of the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.

Speaking after the race, James expressed delight at setting a new national record in front of his home crowd, describing the achievement as a reward for his hard work and dedication.

“I am very happy to break the National Record. I worked so hard for this moment, and to do it here in Abuja, in front of my people, makes it even more special,” he said.

He added that competing against some of Africa’s finest long-distance runners inspired him to deliver his best performance.

“Running against Gemechu and the Kenyans pushed me to give my best. I knew I had to stay with them till the end. This record is just the beginning for me,” James said.

The third edition of the competition attracted elite athletes from Nigeria, Ethiopia, Kenya and Uganda, among other countries, with about 50 international elite runners participating.

The event, sponsored by PremiumTrust Bank and organised by Nilayo Sports Management, recorded increased international participation compared with previous editions.

The competition offered prizes ranging from $8,000 to $500 for international participants, while Nigerian athletes received cash rewards ranging from ₦50,000 to ₦2 million.

The successful outing further highlighted Abuja’s growing potential as a destination for international road-running competitions, while providing Nigerian athletes with an opportunity to compete against some of the continent’s best long-distance runners.

The colourful event also featured musical performances by Nigerian artistes, entertaining athletes, guests and spectators before, during and after the presentation of prizes to the winners.

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