Athletics
Nigeria eyes multi-million Sports Industry Growth
BY JAVIER CARRO.
The forward-looking vision seems to chart the course for Yusuf Ali after being appointed this week as CEO of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board of the National Sports Commission (NSC) in Nigeria.
In statements to The Guardian, he said on Wednesday that Los Angeles 2028 will be decisive.
The new Chief will not be alone. The NSC officially announced the composition of the rest of the team, which will include 13 members, among whom are prominent figures such as Olympians Mary Onyali and Hauwa Kulu Akinyemi, as well as sports development experts like Professor Ken Anugweje.
Yusuf Ali, CEO of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board of the National Sports Commission (NSC)
Ali, known for his historic 8.27-metre jump at the 1989 African Athletics Championships, will lead them all.
For Ali, the next Olympic appointment will serve as a key indicator of the success that the policies implemented by the board may hold.
“The 2028 Games will be an important test of how much effectiveness has advanced, and this will also be reflected in other international sporting commitments of the country before that date,” he stated.
The main objective pursued by this arm of the NSC, according to Ali, is none other than to achieve outstanding sporting success that leads to visible results.
“Our mandate seeks to achieve excellent performance in all disciplines, which will lead us to be present on the podiums and in the various international sporting commitments,” he noted.
Ali, who was previously president of the Edo State Sports Commission, stated that his appointment symbolises national recognition for the work he has been doing over the years in favour of sports development.
In the same vein, he assured that his new position presents him with a significant challenge: to offer the best to place the Nigerian sports sector at the top, making it the engine of an activity that becomes profitable for all those who participate in it. From this perspective, his idea is to turn sport into an economically attractive and sustainable industry.
“In countries with very strong development and implementation policies, sport is a huge business, and that is the goal of the National Sports Commission’s leadership.
We want a multi-million naira sports industry that generates income for both the nation and the participants,” explainedAli. The NSC expects this project to contribute 5% of the national GDP and generate between 3 and 4 billion dollars (€2.9/4.2 bn) in net annual income by 2027.
Ali made it clear that the seed of good international sports performance begins with the implementation of strong national policies.
“Great elite performance involves ensuring solid talent identification and development, fostering continuous coach training, and ensuring adequate funding allocation in the form of training grants for athletes and coaches.
This will be the core of the board,” he stated.
Beyond accumulating in athletics a record that shines with a national long jump record that has been in place since 1989 and the three medals he won in that championship, Ali also has an important track record dedicated to sports management.
In 2022, the then Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, appointed him as Nigeria’s coordinator for the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham. On that occasion, the team returned home with 12 gold medals.
The composition of the NSC Board is made up of carefully selected experts, as highlighted by the NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade.
“All committee members were selected for their experience and knowledge to help Nigeria achieve sustainable success on the podium,” he noted.
-Inside The Games
Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Athletics
Excitement grows as Nilayo Sports Management Company unfolds Access Bank Lagos City Marathon program
Access Bank Lagos City Marathon Expo has been slated to be held from the 3rd to the 13th of February this year. Nilayo Sports Management Company unfolds the plans as Nigeria’s premier road race hits its 10th anniversary.
The Expo is part of key activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the Gold labelled race, which is now one of Africa’s most prestigious road races.
According to the Organisers, the Expo has been well designed to carry a full package of Entertainment and fun throughout the event at the Teslim Balogun stadium.
Some of the side attractions of the Expo include lots of music, exhibitions, health talks and pick up of Marathon kits for runners participating in the Marathon on the 15th of February 2025.
This year’s Access Bank Lagos City Marathon is expected to have in attendance over four thousand international runners while the organisers are also expecting about one hundred elite runners from all over the world at this year’s Race.
The International Association of Athletics Federation, IAAF, says the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon attained the Gold labelled status because it has continued to professionally distinguish itself both at the level of organisation and participation.
The Marathon has become a key feature in the annual calendar of World Athletics, and one of the World’s fastest-growing road races.
Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The countdown has begun for the 10th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, set to take place on Saturday, February 15, a day after the famous St. Valentine’s Day.
According to the organisers, the marathon this year, celebrates a decade of excellence, as the Gold Label Race holds bigger promises, drawing a global audience.
With 4,000 foreign runners and nearly 100 international elite athletes expected to participate, the streets of Lagos will come alive with the spirit of competition and unity, on Feb. 15th, one day after Valentine’s Day.
The marathon, renowned as one of Africa’s largest, is proudly supported by Access Bank, 7UP Bottling Company, Kia Motors, Airtel, and the Lagos State Government.
While February might be winter in other parts of the world, Lagos is looking to bring the heat with its vibrant energy and world-class hospitality. Whether one is running, cheering, or soaking in the sporting and festive atmosphere, the 10th edition of this race promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
The 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, which is part of the activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ECOWAS, will feature elite runners from all ECOWAS countries.
To mark the golden anniversary of the subcontinental economic bloc, the prize money for the sporting event has also tbeen increased.
According to Francis Chuks Njoaguani, Chairman of the Main Organizing Committee (MOC) of the race, there will also be other goodies for participants.
Njoaguani disclosed that participants in the people’s race, the 5 km fun run, which is to encourage ECOWAS citizens to exercise and make running a way of life because of its immense health benefits, will be the biggest beneficiary of the increase in prize money.
Njoaguani, who is also the director of the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, said, ” The 5 km fun run is special to us because we initiated it as part of the 21 km race so that more of our people will embrace the culture of walking, jogging, exercise, and running and make it part of their daily routine.
“That is why we have decided to increase the prize money for the 5km race from $750 to $1000 (about N1.7 million) to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of ECOWAS and encourage our people to make running a way of life.
“We are not increasing the prize money for just the winner but all the top finishers as specified in the participants’ guide, we are also inviting elite runners from all ECOWAS countries”.
The ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon will be held on March 1, 2025, in Abuja, Nigeria.
The event, which features 21km and 5km categories, is expected to attract runners and fitness enthusiasts across the continent and beyond.
The 5km Race will begin at Eagle Square and end at the ECOWAS Commission in Asokoro Abuja, while the 21km (half-marathon) will start at the ECOWAS Commission and return to finish at the same location.
Race Director Gabriel Okon disclosed that the race is open to all categories of runners.
“The event is for elites and fun runners and other classes of fitness enthusiasts from across the continent, all vying for their share of over $71,000 in prize money.
“The marathon is not only a celebration of athleticism but also a showcase of unity and the vibrant spirit of the region.”
Follow the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
- AFCON2 days ago
AFCON 2025: By CAF’s reckoning, Super Eagles are not AFCON 2025 favourites
- CHAN1 week ago
Eguavoen, Chelle hit Nigeria’s new home of football, Ikenne-Remo for Eagles B
- Premier League1 week ago
New York Times asks: How good is Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina?
- CHAN1 week ago
Breaking! CAF postpones CHAN 2024
- CHAN1 week ago
Another CHAN qualifying tournament to be held before August
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Say it loud! Am the right man for Super Eagles’ job, Chelle tells Benin Republic newspaper
- Nigerian Football6 days ago
Legal battle looms ahead of resumption of Nigeria Premier League
- DIPLOMACY4 days ago
Trump outlines sweeping border crackdown, mass deportation push