Sports
“Tomorrow Runs Here”: Enugu Gears Up for a Landmark 2nd Edition of the City International Marathon
Bisi Ajayi
The Enugu State Government, in partnership with Nilayo Sports Management Limited, has assured participants that the 2nd edition of the Enugu City International Marathon will set a new standard as preparations enter top gear for a world-class race experience.
Scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, the marathon is expected to put the entire South-East in a festive mood. Long-distance running enthusiasts from Owerri, Warri, Onitsha, Asaba, Abakaliki, Awka, and beyond are expected to converge on Enugu for what promises to be a glamorous showcase of athletics.
Announced on Tuesday, this year’s edition carries the theme “Tomorrow Runs Here” a statement of intent centered on youth empowerment, talent discovery, sustainable sports development, and positioning Enugu as a rising hub for global sporting and economic activity.
The Enugu City International Marathon is designed to achieve two objectives: identify and nurture indigenous long-distance talent, and attract elite athletes from across Nigeria, Africa, and the international athletics circuit.
The race course has been carefully mapped to highlight Enugu’s cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and scenic landscape, giving both runners and spectators a truly world-class experience.
Registration for the 2026 race opened on June 15, 2026. Organizers confirmed that the prize structure will remain unchanged from the maiden edition.
The popular 10km race route will be retained. Meanwhile, the revised 42km full marathon course and the community fitness run routes will be officially unveiled in the coming weeks.
Further updates on route details, elite athlete participation, and ancillary event activities will be communicated through the marathon’s official channels.
Under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, whose commitment and passion for sports continue to drive the state forward, the marathon is set to become a defining moment for athletics in the region.
His strong support for sporting initiatives reflects a clear vision for empowering and engaging the youth, creating platforms that inspire talent, promote healthy living, and position Enugu as a destination for world-class events.
With Nilayo Sports Management, Nigeria’s foremost sports events company, providing the technical expertise, all signs point to Enugu hosting one of the most anticipated road races on the African calendar this year.
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
