Sports

Kogi Community Keys Into FIFA’s Initiative As 12 Teams Battle For Unity Cup

Published

3 years ago

December 4, 2023

By Salifu Usman, Abuja

In a bold move to discover and groom young talents in line with FIFA’s grassroots developmental initiative, Oganenigu Unity Cup has kicked off in Oganenigu, Dekina local government area of Kogi State.

The community-based unity tournament which was flagged off during the weekend with the opening match between Odolu-Efu FC and Ajachaga FC in Odolu-Efu will climax on December 27, 2023, with 12 teams from the community battling for Honours.
The chairman of the local organizing committee, Comrade Abel Baba, said the tournament designed to create peaceful coexistence, unity, and patriotism among people of the community is also aimed at creating job opportunities for the teeming youth and eliminating youth restiveness using the instrumentality of football.

“Sport is a unifying factor that binds people together irrespective of their ethnic and religious inclination. As a group, we are committed to the development of sports and we will continue to use it to create jobs and engage the youths for peace and unity in this era of security challenges.”

On his part, the deputy chairman of the organizing committee and former Kogi State House of Assembly aspirant, Hon.Prophet Akache Abimaje, said the committee hopes to use the tournament to spot budding talents to assist them grow in their football career. “This is the first time the community is organizing such a football competition.”

The systematic promotion of grassroots football has always been one of FIFA’s priorities to bring football to as many people as possible, thus addressing one of the world body’s missions: “to develop the game”.

It is on bases that expertises and enthusiasts alike are excited that the Oganenigu Unity Cup is a driving force for the development and empowerment of teeming youths.

The first match saw Odolu-Efu wallop Ajachaga 3-0 just as Aloko FC thrash arch-rivals Ugbabo 2-0 in the second match of Day 1.

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race

Published

6 mins ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

Top Three Elite Finishers To Earn $8,000, $6,000 And $5,000 Respectively

The organisers of the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced an attractive prize package for athletes across every category ahead of the race on 14 November 2026 in Abuja.

The prize announcement has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, as the event continues to establish itself as one of the leading road races in Nigeria. The race offers local athletes the chance to compete against international runners in front of a home crowd, while also earning meaningful rewards.

In the elite category, first place earns $8,000, second place takes $6,000, third place gets $5,000, fourth place receives $4,000, fifth place goes home with $3,000, sixth place earns $2,000, seventh place takes $1,000, and eighth place gets $500.

In the Nigerian category, first place earns ₦2,000,000, second place takes ₦1,500,000, third place gets ₦1,000,000, fourth place receives ₦500,000, fifth place goes home with ₦300,000, sixth place earns ₦200,000, seventh place takes ₦100,000, and eighth place gets ₦50,000.

According to the organisers, the prize structure reflects the commitment of PremiumTrust Bank to the growth of athletics in Nigeria and to the encouragement of home based athletes. The separate Nigerian category ensures that local runners are properly recognised and rewarded for their performance.

The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometres, remains an important event for long distance runners. It serves as a test of endurance and preparation, and it provides a competitive platform for athletes building towards major national and international competitions.

The race is expected to draw elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond. The turnout is expected to be high, given the interest already shown since registration opened.

Organisers have advised interested runners to register early through the official registration portal of the race to secure their participation, as arrangements are being put in place for timing, security, medical support and traffic management on race day.

The prize money is now confirmed, attention will shift to the athletes as they complete their final weeks of training and preparations ahead of the race day.

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