Sports
PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Returns November 7, Registration Opens September 18
The third edition of the PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon is set to hold on Saturday, November 7, 2026, with registration for participants scheduled to open on Friday, September 18.
Organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, the 2026 edition promises another exciting display of athletics, fitness and sports tourism as runners from across Nigeria and beyond converge on the nation’s capital.
Registration will be available online, while runners who prefer physical registration can do so at the Old Parade Ground, Abuja.
The organisers are encouraging prospective participants to register early once the portal opens, giving them sufficient time to train and prepare for the 21-kilometre race.
The event continues the successful partnership between PremiumTrust Bank, the sole sponsor of the marathon, and Nilayo Sports Management Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading road race organisers.
Since its inception, the partnership has helped establish the Abuja City International Half Marathon as one of Nigeria’s leading road racing events, attracting elite athletes, recreational runners, fitness enthusiasts and corporate organisations.
The November 7 race will once again turn Abuja into a celebration of athletic excellence, healthy living and sports tourism, with organisers promising enhanced athlete services, world-class race logistics, entertainment, medical support, security and spectator engagement.
Speaking on the upcoming event, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PremiumTrust Bank, Mr. Emmanuel Efe Efemienim, CON, FCIB, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to sports development and nation building.
“At PremiumTrust Bank, we believe sports create opportunities, inspire excellence and bring communities together. Our continued sponsorship of the Abuja City International Half Marathon reflects our commitment to investing in initiatives that positively impact lives,” he said.
He added that the bank was delighted to return as the sole sponsor and looked forward to welcoming thousands of runners to Abuja for another memorable race.
Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, expressed confidence that the third edition would further strengthen the reputation of the Abuja City International Half Marathon.
According to her, the organisers are focused on delivering an event that meets international best practices while providing an exceptional experience for participants, volunteers, spectators and partners.
She urged runners to register early and begin preparations for what promises to be another major day of competition and celebration in Nigeria’s capital.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the Abuja City International Half Marathon continues to contribute to the development of sports tourism, healthy living and youth engagement, while providing a platform for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to showcase their abilities.
With registration opening on September 18, runners are expected to begin securing their places ahead of the November 7 race.
Sports
YellowGreens Thrash The Gambia by 160 Runs in Dominant Display
Joel Ajayi
Selim Salau’s century and a breathtaking late assault from Isaac Okpe powered Nigeria to a dominant opening victory at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Abuja.
Nigeria’s senior men’s national cricket team, the YellowGreens, made a resounding start to their ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier C campaign, defeating The Gambia by 160 runs at the NCF Oval 2 in Abuja on Tuesday, 20 October 2026.
After winning the toss and electing to bat, Nigeria produced a formidable total of 262 for one in their allotted 20 overs, setting The Gambia a daunting target of 263 runs.
The innings was anchored by an outstanding century from Selim Salau, who remained unbeaten on 105 off 58 deliveries, striking 12 fours and three sixes. Isaac Danladi provided excellent support with an impressive 86 off 48 balls, including seven fours and four sixes, as the pair laid the foundation for Nigeria’s commanding total.
Isaac Okpe then delivered a sensational finishing assault, smashing an unbeaten 56 off just 16 deliveries, with three fours and six sixes. His remarkable strike rate of 350.00 propelled Nigeria beyond the 260-run mark and put the hosts firmly in control.
The Gambia faced an uphill battle in their chase and were eventually bowled out for 102 in 17.2 overs, handing Nigeria a comprehensive 160-run victory.
The result marked an emphatic opening statement from the YellowGreens as they began their campaign on home soil with an impressive all-round performance.
The victory also provides Nigeria with valuable momentum in a six-team competition featuring hosts Nigeria, The Gambia, Uganda, Zambia, Lesotho and Mozambique. With the teams competing in a round-robin format, the top two sides will progress to the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Regional Final in 2027.
Nigeria will look to build on this commanding start as the YellowGreens continue their pursuit of one of the two available qualification places, with their next fixture against Zambia scheduled for Wednesday, 21 October, at the NCF Oval 1 in Abuja.
Final Score
Nigeria: 262/1 (20 overs)
The Gambia: 102 all out (17.2 overs)
Result: Nigeria won by 160 runs.
Key Performers
Selim Salau — 105 not out off 58 balls
Isaac Danladi — 86 off 48 balls
Isaac Okpe — 56 not out off 16 balls
*
-
Featured7 years agoLampard Names New Chelsea Manager
-
Featured7 years agoFG To Extends Lockdown In FCT, Lagos Ogun states For 7days
-
Featured7 years agoChildren Custody: Court Adjourns Mike Ezuruonye, Wife’s Case To April 7
-
Featured7 years agoNYSC Dismisses Report Of DG’s Plan To Islamize Benue Orientation Camp
-
Featured5 years agoTransfer Saga: How Mikel Obi Refused to compensate me After I Linked Him Worth $4m Deal In Kuwait SC – Okafor
-
Featured7 years ago
Board urges FG to establish one-stop rehabilitation centres in 6 geopolitical zones
-
Sports4 years ago
TINUBU LAMBAST DELE MOMODU
-
News2 years agoZulu to Super Eagles B team, President Tinubu is happy with you
