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Love in the Air: Ezra Kipchumba Triumphs at 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon:

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Kenya’s Ezra Kipchumba Kering delivered a Valentine’s Day masterclass, storming to victory at the 11th edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon on Saturday, 14 February 2026. Kipchumba crossed the finish line at Eko Atlantic City in an impressive time of 2:11:55, clinching the $50,000 top prize in one of Africa’s most prestigious road races. Uganda dominated the other podium spots, with Lomoi Samuel finishing a close second in 2:11:59, while Namutala Kephar Lumbasi secured third place in 2:12:25, capping off a fiercely competitive men’s race. The Gold Label marathon is organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited, under the leadership of Managing Director Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, and continues to raise the bar for long-distance running on the continent. In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Dinke Meseret Meleka claimed top honours, crossing the line in 2:37:36. Kenya’s Daniel Flomena Cheyech followed closely in 2:37:43, while Ethiopia’s Getaw Wgagen Zewdalem finished third in 2:38:59. An...
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NSC DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade Wins Sports Administrator of the Year at New Telegraph Awards:

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PRESS RELEASE The Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, has been honoured with the prestigious Sports Administrator of the Year award at the New Telegraph Awards, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to sports development in Nigeria. The award, which took place on Friday, celebrated Olopade’s transformative leadership, administrative excellence and longstanding commitment to building sustainable sports structures across the country. A seasoned sports administrator, Olopade has served twice as Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State, where he spearheaded progressive reforms and talent development initiatives. His leadership footprint also spans multiple strategic roles within Nigeria’s sports ecosystem. He is a former President of the Nigeria Wheelchair Basketball Federation, where he championed inclusivity and the advancement of para-sports.  He also served as Chief Operating Officer of the Nigeria National League (NNL), strengtheni...
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Location: Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
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D-DAY: 28,000 Runners Set for 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon:

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Lagos is set for a historic showdown as 28,000 registered runners hit the streets for the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, themed “New Steps, Fresh Goals – 14th Feb.” From elite athletes to fitness enthusiasts, the energy across the city is electric as participants prepare to take on either the 42KM full marathon or the 10KM race in one of Africa’s most prestigious road races. *Mainland Runners Covered* To ensure a smooth and stress-free race morning, organizers have put transportation plans in place for runners coming from the Mainland. Pickup Location: Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere First Bus: 4:00 AM Last Bus: 5:00 AM Buses will depart promptly, and runners are strongly advised to arrive early as race day waits for no one. The organizing committee emphasized that participants should not wait until the final bus to avoid unnecessary delays. *Medal Cut-Off Time – 12:30 PM* All finishers who cross the finish line on or before 12:30 PM will receive an official finisher’s medal. A...
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Location: Lagos, Nigeria
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Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Lagos State Government Promise Top-Notch 11th Access Bank Lagos City Marathon:

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The organisers of the gold-labelled Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, have described the 11th edition of the race scheduled for Saturday, February 14, 2026, as iconic, marking the beginning of a new decade for one of Africa’s most prestigious road races. Speaking at a press conference held at the Access Bank headquarters in Lagos to herald the commencement of the race, the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, said the 2026 edition represents growth, resilience and renewed ambition for the marathon. She expressed appreciation to Access Bank, other corporate sponsors and the Lagos State Government for their unwavering support and commitment to the annual event. “This 11th edition is symbolic for us. It is not just another race, it signals the beginning of another decade of excellence, impact and global recognition for the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon”. “We are deeply grateful to Access Bank, our valued sponsors a...
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Location: Lagos, Nigeria
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Two Days to Go: Afrobeats Star Shoday Set to Light Up Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2026 Post Race Party:

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With just two days to the 2026 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, excitement has reached fever pitch as award-winning music sensation Shoday has been confirmed to perform live at the Post Race Party. The party is organized to celebrate runners and the event, at Eko Atlantic City, as organizers say Saturday promises not only world-class athletic competition but also a vibrant celebration of music, culture and community. As thousands of elite and non-elite runners prepare to take on the challenge across Africa’s most iconic city, organisers added an electrifying twist to the Valentine’s Day showdown, a live performance from Shoday to welcome athletes and fans at the finish line. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon has grown into one of Africa’s premier road races, attracting international stars, elite Kenyan and Ethiopian runners, and Nigeria’s finest long-distance athletes.  Beyond the race itself, the event continues to boost sports tourism, showcase Lagos to the world, and create an...
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Location: Lagos, Nigeria
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House of Representatives Calls for Increased Budgetary Provision to Accelerate National Sports Development

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PRESS STATEMENT  The House of Representatives has called for increased budgetary allocation for sports to fast-track the achievement of Nigeria’s sports development objectives. The call was made during the Commission’s 2026 budget defence before the House Committee on Sports. Lawmakers commended the NSC for prudent utilization of resources and visible improvements across the sports sector, noting that both approval and diligent implementation of budgetary provisions remain critical to sustained progress. Presenting the Commission’s proposal, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, outlined plans to consolidate recent gains through strategic investments in infrastructure and sports development. “We are building on a foundation to Reset, Refocus, and Relaunch our sports sector. It is built on the back of transparency and measurable results,” Dikko said. “Our 2026 budget proposal prioritizes many areas and not limited to infrastructure renewal, youth talent development and strengthen...
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Location: Abuja, Federal Capital Territory, Nigeria
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3 Days to Go: Who Will Rise to Break Nyango’s Nigerian Record at Access Bank Lagos City Marathon?

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With just three days to the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, a familiar question is back on the streets and among athletics watchers across the country: who will rise to surpass the Nigerian standard set by Nyango Gyang Boyi? Boyi etched his name into the history of the race as the first Nigerian to finish the Lagos marathon, delivering a landmark performance that redefined local ambition. He powered his way into the overall top 10, finishing eighth with a time of 2:25:41.58, a result that carried both prestige and reward. That historic run earned Boyi a $4,000 prize for his overall placement, alongside the ₦2 million top prize in the Nigerian category. More importantly, it proved that Nigerian runners could compete shoulder to shoulder with elite international fields on home soil. As the countdown ticks on, attention now shifts to the next wave of local contenders. Can anyone match Boyi’s grit, pace and composure over 42.195 kilometres? Or will a new name emerge to push the benchmark ...
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Location: Lagos, Nigeria
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