Sports

NIS, LSFA First Stream Training Of 100 Coaches Begins

Published

2 years ago

September 12, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The first batch of 100 coaches are set to begin training on Saturday September 14th under the aegis of the collaborative efforts between the National Institute for sports and Lagos State Football Association.

Speaking ahead of the Commencement of the training , Chairman of Lagos State Football Association Hajji Gafar Liameed said ” We have received overwhelming responses from coaches that have registered to participate in this special training course for certification of grassroot coaches in Lagos state.

“We received more than 220 registration and still counting. But in order to maintain standard and achieve our aim of quality service delivery, our partners the National Institute of Sports decided that we should have the training in 100 batches per stream.

“So on Saturday, September 14th, 2024 we are beginning with the first 100 coaches that registered. The next stream of 100 will come up a week after.”

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Sports

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

Published

5 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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