Sports

Nilayo Set October Date For Abuja City International Marathon

Published

4 years ago

January 31, 2021

Nigeria’s foremost marathons and road races running company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, has set October 2, 2021 date for the maiden Abuja City International Marathon with a telecommunication company and financial institution set to be the headline sponsor and main partner.

Bukola Olopade, the Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports made the disclosure over the weekend that “The Abuja City International Marathon is a race that excites us because, given our precedence with the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon and all our other races across the country, the Abuja City International Marathon promises to be a world-class event. We have concluded discussions with a telecom giant and a financial institution. Very soon we shall invite the media to the unveiling of our sponsor and partner”.

Olopade who revived the culture of marathons and road races in Nigeria after 31 years in 2016 with the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon revealed that the route of the Abuja City International Marathon has been measured and calibrated by World Athletics grade ‘A’ measurer Norrie Williamson since 2018.

Williamson who was the measurer of the marathon routes of the four Olympic Games, Atlanta’96, Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and Beijing 2008 and several other iconic cities marathons, described the point-to-point route of Abuja City International Marathon as one of the best he has measured around the world.

Olopade described Abuja as an amazing city with a lot of exciting sights, “this is the reason why we are particular about making the race an international marathon that will attract the cream-de-la-crème of road running across the world.

“We are working on this project with the World Athletics, Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development, we are set to put Abuja on the world map.”

Apart from reviving the culture of marathon and road races in Nigeria with Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, the upcoming Abuja City International Marathon will put the federal capital among the top marathon destinations in the world. Nilayo’s Midas touch in marathons and road races was behind the highly successful races like the just concluded Kaduna Marathon, Great Abeokuta 10KM Race, Valuejet IAU African Championships Remo, Ijebu International Half Marathon among other sporting events across the country.

“This is the reason why we have gotten a telecom giant and a financial institution who are ready to commit to the race to make it a success because they have also seen these possibilities and how it will change the trajectory of sports sponsorships in Africa and the rest of the world. The partnerships will be announced very soon.” Said Olopade

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Sports

Speaker House Reps, Abbas, Others Thumbs NFF President Over NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and New Training Pitches

Published

3 hours ago

March 19, 2025

The Gleamer

…Says It Will Boost Nigeria’s Economy

By Joel Ajayi

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, has commended the President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau, for initiating the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and new training pitches, describing it as a transformational project that will boost Nigeria’s economy.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, Speaker Abbas praised the initiative and pledged the National Assembly’s full support.

“This is a noble project, and the National Assembly will give it full support. I congratulate the National Sports Commission and the Nigeria Football Federation, and I thank FIFA for agreeing to fund this project,” he stated while cutting the ceremonial tape.

He also assured the House of Representatives’ support for the visionary leadership of Engineer Ibrahim Musa Gusau and the NFF in other key areas where assistance is required.

Leading the FIFA delegation, Gelson Fernandes (Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer/Regional Director, Africa) reiterated FIFA’s commitment to funding the project, emphasizing that infrastructure development has been a priority since the tenure of President Gianni Infantino began.

Expressing his excitement, NFF President Ibrahim Gusau stated that the hostel and training pitches will serve all Nigerian national teams, leagues, and academies.

“Indeed, my joy knows no bounds. From the day my Executive Committee and I were sworn into office in Benin City on Friday, 30th September 2022, I was determined to push this project forward as a legacy for Nigerian football.
“For sustained success, we must provide a conducive environment, infrastructure, equipment, and support systems that enable players and officials to perform at their best.

“Building a players’ hostel and having new training pitches will not only enhance team management but also reduce costs, allowing us to invest more in grassroots development programs.”
Several dignitaries present at the event applauded Gusau’s leadership, determination, and commitment to football development in Nigeria.

The event was well attended by local and international stakeholders, including sports enthusiasts, who witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony of the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and Training Pitches.

In addition to the hostel, the project includes:Two new training pitches (one synthetic and one natural grass). Reconstruction of the existing synthetic pitch.

Also, Spectators’ sitting terraces with 1,838 seats.Two dressing rooms for players, each accommodating 27 players.Two dressing rooms for officials.

The construction is expected to last 24 months and is fully funded by FIFA under its FIFA Forward 3.0 programme.

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