Sports

Runners enthusiastic about Abuja International Marathon at Anti-Corruption Marathon

Published

3 years ago

October 18, 2022

There was great enthusiasm from elite and fun runners about the Abuja International Marathon at the Saturday Anti-Corruption Marathon in Abuja.

Elite and fun runners from different parts of Nigeria converged in Abuja over the weekend to participate in the annual race.

The Abuja International Marathon team led by Race Director Olukayode Thomas had a stand at the Finish Point where they shared registration forms to runners to enable them to register for the first international full marathon in FCT.

They also answered runners’ questions about the race, especially the Marathon Expo slated for December 5-16 at The Pavilion, close to Radio House, Abuja.

Adamu Muazu of High-Altitude Athletics Club, Jos who won the N 1 million prize money for the men’s race said the race is a warm-up for the Abuja International Marathon.

“ This is a half marathon. I am grateful to God to win today, especially the cash prize. This is part of my warm-up for the Abuja International Marathon. I thank FCTA and Unicentral for the initiative. Most marathoners in Nigeria are from the North, but most of the races that we run are in the South.

“I am delighted that now we have a full international marathon, while I dream of winning the prize money, both the international elites and the Nigerian prizes money, but more than the money I will love to be part of history, because history will be made in the FCT and the whole of the North on December 17, 2022, when we have our first international full marathon in the North, so I want to be part of history.’’

Hundreds of elite and fun runners collected forms and filled them at the finish point while several others signed up online to participate in the race.

Steve Nuhu, the most successful marathon and road races coach in Nigeria today said he has registered 120 elite runners for the Abuja International Marathon,

“ I am also working with the Armed Forces to ensure many of our friends in the Army who are good in marathons and road races register, I am also coordinating with friends of marathons and road races in North Central and Northeast to ensure the first full international marathon in the North is a great success. We thank and appreciate FCTA and Unicentral for this epoch-making event “Nuru said.

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Sports

No crisis in NAWIS ahead of AFN elections on Monday

Published

12 hours ago

June 8, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Association of Nigerian Women in Sports (NAWIS), known for its orderliness since its establishment in 1990, continues to uphold its standards ahead of the upcoming Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) elections.

With members across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, NAWIS has consistently operated without external interference.

Over the years, its members have been nominated to various boards of national sports federations after meeting established criteria, including the payment of annual dues.

The association has attracted a strong base of respected sportswomen who have served the country with distinction, both during and after their active careers.

In preparation for the AFN elections, zonal elections were conducted on June 2 and 3, producing representatives for the national exercise.

While NAWIS initially planned to hold its election in Zaria, Kaduna State, the association’s headquarters, it was later rescheduled for Abuja on Monday, June 9, following directives from higher authorities.

Importantly, NAWIS has a set of strict guidelines that govern its electoral process, particularly the requirement for timely payment of annual dues. Failure to meet this condition results in automatic disqualification.

This guideline was the basis for the disqualification of Maria Wophil, who has reportedly not paid her annual dues since 2017. Her attempt to hurriedly settle outstanding debts just before the election was deemed non-compliant with NAWIS regulations.

Who is Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju?

Commonwealth gold medallist Fatima Yusuf-Olukoju is one of the leading contenders for the NAWIS representative position in the AFN.

She made history as the first African woman to run the 400m in under 50 seconds and brought glory to Nigeria by winning a silver medal in the 4x400m relay at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics.

Yusuf-Olukoju also claimed gold in the 400m at the 1991 All-Africa Games and silver in the 200m.

Based on nominations and her track record, Yusuf-Olukoju is considered the most qualified candidate. However, three other contenders have also shown interest, and the final decision will be made in the election slated for Monday, June 9, in Abuja.

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