Team Nigeria’s impressive performance at the Riyadh 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games was the product of meticulous planning and improved athlete welfare, according to Deputy Chef-de-Mission Yussuf Amuda Alli.

Alli, who also serves as CEO of the National Sports Commission’s Elite and Podium Board, praised the leadership of NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade for implementing a “people-first” strategy that transformed the athletes’ morale and output.

He said the Commission prioritised comfort, motivation and financial stability throughout the Games — from creating a conducive camp environment to ensuring prompt payment of allowances and bonuses. A new instant reward system for medal winners, he added, injected fresh competitiveness and commitment into the team.

“The moment you win a gold medal, you get $1,000; silver medalists get $500, bronze medalists $300. Camp allowances and other incentives were promptly paid, and that was why Team Nigeria’s participation at the Games was rancour-free,” Alli noted.

Nigeria went on to deliver its best-ever outing at the Islamic Solidarity Games, winning 30 medals — eleven gold, twelve silver and seven bronze — from only 34 athletes.

Weightlifting led the charge with six gold, four silver and three bronze medals, followed by athletics with two gold, four silver and three bronze. Wrestling added two gold and two silver medals, while powerlifting won one gold. Boxing secured one silver, para athletics one silver, and taekwondo one bronze.

The historic feat represented a dramatic turnaround for Nigeria. The country failed to win any medal at its debut in Mecca in 2005, while the second edition in Tehran was cancelled. Nigeria returned empty-handed from Palembang 2013, before collecting six medals in Baku 2017 and five medals in Konya 2021.

Alli, a former international athlete and team captain, said the new welfare system has permanently addressed a long-standing challenge.

“The issue of athletes complaining about bonuses, allowances and rewards has been banished forever. The Chairman and the DG’s ‘Athlete First’ policy is one of the best developments in our sports in recent years,” he said.

Looking ahead, Alli expressed confidence that Nigeria will build on the Riyadh momentum as preparations intensify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

“Already, I have sat down with the Chairman and the DG, and we have outlined plans that will ensure we succeed at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Execution has already started, and I am confidently assuring Nigerians that our participation in Glasgow will be our best ever,” he concluded.

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Two World Athletics employees and a contracted consultant systematically stole more than 1.5 million euros ($1.75 million) from the organisation over several years in a theft uncovered during an audit, the sport’s governing body said on Thursday.

World Athletics said it discovered the theft during its first annual audit under new financial leadership, prompting an internal investigation that led to contract terminations and criminal referrals.

While one employee had already left the organisation before their involvement was discovered, World Athletics terminated contracts for the remaining employee and consultant following the investigation.

The 3Wiresports website run by experienced Olympic journalist Alan Abrahamson named the people alleged to be involved as former chief operating officer Vineesh Kochhar and former director of broadcast James Lord, with the consultant not having any managerial responsibility. A source close to the organisation’s investigation confirmed the names to Reuters.

“Detailed cases have been prepared and handed over to the relevant judicial and legal authorities for criminal investigation,” World Athletics said in a statement.

“World Athletics instructed an independent forensic accounting review of the period to supplement its own internal investigation and no other fraudulent activity was found.

“A set of enhanced internal financial controls are being introduced across the organisation.”

World Athletics’ annual report published last month showed its year-over-year revenue was $59.8 million, up 10.5% on the previous year.

World Athletics President Sebastian Coe said the body was determined to recover whatever it could using the “full force of the law.

“Too many organisations brush incidents like this under the carpet, terminating employment with limited information which allows perpetrators to continue their scams and thefts within new organisations. We are not that type of organisation,” Coe said.

“We have built a strong reputation for good governance, transparency and for defending what is right, even if it is sometimes a little uncomfortable. This is uncomfortable but it is important that we do the right thing.”

-Reuters

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The PremiumTrust Bank Abuja City International Half Marathon has achieved a historic milestone, earning the prestigious World Athletics Label for its second edition—an unprecedented feat that places Nigeria’s capital city among elite global marathon destinations.

Organized by Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), the 2025 race is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 6, 2025, under the inspiring theme “Steady Strides.”

The theme reflects both the disciplined rhythm of world-class long-distance running and the steady progress that has defined the marathon’s rapid rise to international acclaim.

This recognition from World Athletics comes in record time, making the Abuja race the fastest marathon globally to secure a World Athletics Label within two editions—a testament to NSML’s organizational excellence and the dynamic partnership with PremiumTrust Bank, widely regarded as Nigeria’s fastest-growing commercial bank.

A Partnership of Vision and Impact

Speaking on the announcement, Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, described the achievement as “a defining moment for Nigerian road racing.”

Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited

“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,” Olopade said.
“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 recognized the immense potential of the first edition and is now driving the race toward international acclaim.”

A Legacy of Excellence

For PremiumTrust Bank, the race symbolizes more than sponsorship—it embodies a shared philosophy of growth, excellence, and impact.

“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,” said Dr. Emmanuel Efe Emefienim (CON), Managing Director of PremiumTrust Bank.

“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.”

Global Spotlight on Abuja

The 2025 edition is expected to draw elite international athletes, top local runners, and marathon enthusiasts from across the world. Officials from World Athletics will also be in attendance to oversee the competition, ensuring it meets global standards.

With Abuja set to host thousands of runners and spectators, the PremiumTrust Bank Half Marathon promises to be a spectacular celebration of endurance, athleticism, and community spirit, further cementing Nigeria’s place on the global athletics map.

Registration is now open for participants ahead of the eagerly anticipated race day on December 6, 2025.

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