Sports

Startimes And NPFL New Grand Breaking 1.6bn Broadcast Deal

Published

3 years ago

November 6, 2023

By Obasi Michael

A Proof of Gusua Continuois Quite Administrative Feat

NFF President Ibrahim Gusau has never been a man of plenty words , even from his time as board member of the Nigeria Football Federation, but has always love his work to speak for him.

His leadership style and prowess is exemplary and very unique compare to what we see from other administrators these days.

The way he has handled some of the issues in the corridors of Nigeria football since his election last year is simply the reason why there is relative peace and enabling environment in the Country’s football as compare to previous administration.

Amongst many others, one issue that would have naturally heat up the football ecosystem is the drama surrounding the Nigeria League.

When Gusau came into office there were issues on the stability and legitimacy of the leadership of the league couple with the lingering crises of funding for the league.

But he ensured all those issues were maturely resolved and handled without unnecessarily media grandstanding and today the Nigeria Premier Football League can boast of stable board and now a record breaking Broadcast deal with Startimes.

As easy looking as it may sound right now , the backend serious battle to arrive at this new deal could only be achieved by a quality leader.

In the past in Nigerian football , we have seen how issues of Broadcast right and Sponsorship tore the Football House apart.

Even this time around when there were boiling issues between the club owners and the leadership of the league on the broadcast deal , all parties finally resolved the matter to arrive at the Startimes Deal without unnecessary ego in the Media.

GUSAU has repeatedly said his objective is to make Nigeria football move forward from all the leagues to the various National teams.

The new Startimes broadcast deal is a huge one and a step in the right direction and a big signal to other sponsors that the Nigeria Football brand is still very viable with huge potentials.

With the New Startimes contract, Nigerians can now watch their talent domestic football stars week in week out on Televisions with multiple matches to be shown every weekend.

Gusau understands the importance of getting it right from the League because once that is in place it will twinkle down to the quality of Nigerian players in the national teams.

What the NFF boss represents is similar to that of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu with less Media attention of self and this has always being their style prior to their current emergence.

President Tinubu did not concentrate on Media appearances like other candidates but focus on behind the scene strategic plannings to win his election and he did.

Similarly Gusau never believed in Media showboating even when all other candidates were always seen in the Media but convincingly blew everybody away during the Election in Benin to succeed Amaju Pinnick as NFF President.

And today Nigeria Football league is gradually heading towards the right direction under his leadership.

Written By Michael O.
Sports Affairs Analyst/Sports Journalist

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Sports

PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon Splashes Big Prize Money Ahead Of 14 November 2026 Race

Published

4 hours ago

October 25, 2026

The Gleamer

Top Three Elite Finishers To Earn $8,000, $6,000 And $5,000 Respectively

The organisers of the highly anticipated PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon have announced an attractive prize package for athletes across every category ahead of the race on 14 November 2026 in Abuja.

The prize announcement has been welcomed by athletes and coaches, as the event continues to establish itself as one of the leading road races in Nigeria. The race offers local athletes the chance to compete against international runners in front of a home crowd, while also earning meaningful rewards.

In the elite category, first place earns $8,000, second place takes $6,000, third place gets $5,000, fourth place receives $4,000, fifth place goes home with $3,000, sixth place earns $2,000, seventh place takes $1,000, and eighth place gets $500.

In the Nigerian category, first place earns ₦2,000,000, second place takes ₦1,500,000, third place gets ₦1,000,000, fourth place receives ₦500,000, fifth place goes home with ₦300,000, sixth place earns ₦200,000, seventh place takes ₦100,000, and eighth place gets ₦50,000.

According to the organisers, the prize structure reflects the commitment of PremiumTrust Bank to the growth of athletics in Nigeria and to the encouragement of home based athletes. The separate Nigerian category ensures that local runners are properly recognised and rewarded for their performance.

The half marathon, which covers 21 kilometres, remains an important event for long distance runners. It serves as a test of endurance and preparation, and it provides a competitive platform for athletes building towards major national and international competitions.

The race is expected to draw elite athletes, club runners, corporate teams, fitness enthusiasts and supporters from across Nigeria and beyond. The turnout is expected to be high, given the interest already shown since registration opened.

Organisers have advised interested runners to register early through the official registration portal of the race to secure their participation, as arrangements are being put in place for timing, security, medical support and traffic management on race day.

The prize money is now confirmed, attention will shift to the athletes as they complete their final weeks of training and preparations ahead of the race day.

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