Sports

Our Focus Now Is Building ‘Team Nigeria’ – Sports Minister

Published

4 years ago

May 3, 2021

…As Nigeria Athletes Depart US Thursday

Joel Ajayi

Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Chief Sunday Dare, has revealed that the Ministry is now focusing more on building a formidable Team Nigeria that would make the country proud in the forthcoming 2020 Olympic in Japan, than listening to the noise of the market.

The Minister made this known on Monday when he visited the athletes Moshood National Stadium Abuja preparing to travel on Thursday to Texas, United States of America to participate in relay qualifiers event in USA.

He expressed that, though Nigeria athletes missed the World Relay in Poland due to visa issue but the Ministry has put that behind and moved on to ensure Nigeria still qualifies for the world fiesta event.

It was gathered that, about 20 athletes are leaving Nigeria on Thursday while the second batch of athletes will also join them later for the event.

The Minister assured that, what Nigeria missed in Poland will be gained in US.

According to him, I am just here to support you, and to encourage you, and inform you that you are the team Nigeria.

“We have about 87 days to the Olympic proper, we are ready to have you, go out there in US. Our team over there will also join you to create a blend, those that will compete with you are like you, the track is not different, I am made bold to say here that, the entire Nigerians are behind you.

“I want to urge the athletes not to be distracted with administrative noises, your duty is to run and give Nigeria the best , leave administration and all the noise behind , don’t listen to the noise in the market if not, you will not buy anything, so be focus on the goal ahead of you.

“ We are going to the US because we have other means that will place us on the part of qualification, if you follow the outcome of what happened in Poland; for some of the relays, we have 4, 5, some two slots left, so the chances are blighting.

“Nigeria will be at the Olympic God’s wiling, we have put everything in place to ensure athletes are comfortable, they have been in camps for past two weeks with their coaches, I have no doubt Nigeria will be at the Olympic.” He Assured.

Speaking on the sideline of World Relay in Poland, Minister said, the Ministry spared no effort to get it but issue of visa scuttled it.

“We did everything possible to get to Poland but their government said Nigeria need two full weeks to process visa, then there was nothing we could do but we got America visa within 3-4 days.

“About three or four countries even withdrew from the Poland event, they were waiting for Nigeria. There are chances and we are going to fight for every available slot to be in Japan.”

Talking about athletes’ welfare, Minister said the Ministry had put in place a detailed program for the Athletes where every trips, meets, Timing, accommodation is being monitored.

Chief Dare therefore, urged them to strictly adhere to all protocols of Covid-19.

Minister showered encomium on some athletes, saying the future is bright for Nigeria to have podium performances at the Olympics. He commended the performance of Tobi Amusan who got adopted few weeks ago and who now has the second World best time, Grace Nwokocha and Adegoke Enoch who got adopted by the Minister under the Adopt an Athlete Initiative.

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Earns World Athletics Label

Published

2 days ago

October 29, 2025

The Gleamer

Nigeria’s foremost Sports Company, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML) has announced the second edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon, set to light up Nigeria’s capital city on Saturday, December 6, 2025.

With the theme “Steady Strides,” this year’s race captures the measured rhythm and determined pace that define world-class long-distance running, a reflection of the steady progress and ambitious vision shaping the marathon’s evolution into a global platinum-labelled event.

In a historic milestone for Nigerian sports, the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has been officially awarded the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition, a distinction achieved in record time. This remarkable feat makes it the first marathon globally to earn the label so swiftly, underscoring both the organizational excellence of NSML and the dynamic rise of PremiumTrust Bank, currently celebrated as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.

The 2025 edition is expected to attract elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from around the world, alongside officials from World Athletics who will oversee the competition.

Speaking on the announcement, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, expressed excitement about the unique partnership with PremiumTrust Bank.

“This second edition is fundamentally unique because it represents the first-ever true super-partnership on such a dynamic sports property in our nation and arguably, globally. PremiumTrust Bank is not just a sponsor but the sole partner anchoring the establishment, organization, and consolidation of a global marathon in Nigeria’s capital city.

” We are proud and grateful for the bank’s visionary leadership, which not only recognized the immense potential of the first edition but is now single-handedly driving the race toward international acclaim.”

Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank, Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON) emphasized the shared values underpinning the partnership.

“PremiumTrust Bank is built on the philosophy of rapid, impactful, and sustainable growth, and the theme of this year’s marathon perfectly reflects our operational ethos.”

“Attaining World Athletics Label status in just the second year validates that our investment is yielding world-class outcomes. We are deeply proud to be the sole partner building this monumental legacy, reinforcing our commitment to sports development, community wellbeing, excellence, and platforms where champions are made.”

The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon 2025 promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further strengthening Abuja’s status on the global racing calendar.

Registration for participants is currently open as it promises to be another marathon spectacle on the 6th of December 2025.

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