Nigeria Premier League

We are going to accommodate more runners for 9th Lagos City Marathon – Yusuf Ali

The General Manager of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, one of the biggest marathon races in Africa, Yusuf Alli, has disclosed that: “the 9th edition of the race, in February 2024, will be hosting more runners in the 42km and 10km races.”

He said at the weekend in Lagos that, the last time the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon hosted a large number of runners was before the outbreak of the Covid 19 virus in 2019.

“For the 9th edition which comes up next year in February, the organisers of the race, Nilayo Sports Management, is determined to host a large number of runners while accommodating those Nigerians and foreign runners who are very eager to participate in both the 42km and the 10km races.

“We are ready for this and we are going to do it in a big way, with all the trappings of the regulations of World Athletics, especially as the Lagos City Marathon is a Gold Label Elite Marathon.

“Don’t forget that the last time we had a very large number of runners was in 2019 when we had the Silver Label Race, but now that we have the Elite Label Race. The stakes are higher and we shall do everything differently. So, we are looking forward to the 9th edition of the race in February 2024.

“And don’t forget, the decision to have more runners, which means a vast increase in the number of participants will be registered in both the 42kg and 10kg races.”

The General Manager noted that the organisers of the biggest marathon races in Africa, Nilayo Sports Management Limited, decided to increase the number of runners because of the huge requests made by local and international runners who believed the COVID-19 statutory restriction policies in line with the World Athletics and International Olympic Committee regulations in 2019, had stopped them from participating in the marathon. But today, the coast is clear and they can participate.

Alli revealed that the World Athletics and Association of International Marathons and Distance Races (AIMS) are excited that the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will by next year return to having a larger number of runners for the full race.

Alli added that, with the commitment of the organisers, Nilayo Sports Management Ltd, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon remains the first race to win a World Athletics Bronze Label in Africa after just two editions and the first in the world to win the prestigious Silver Label after four editions.

“Last year, World Athletics gave us the Elite Road Race Label, which today has made us one of the most sought-after Elite Label races in the world. And in terms of prize money, we rank among the top 10 in the world and in the number of participants, we are top five in the world.

A Kenyan, Edwin Kibet Koech, won the eighth edition of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon 2023 tagged “Push the Limit” at a time of 2 hours 14 minutes 6 seconds. He went home with a cash prize of $50,000. Ethiopia’s Alemenseh Guta won the women’s race for the second time, the first in 2018, at a time 2:40:42.

Nigeria Premier League

Ogunmodede reflects on Emo Stars’ win over Abia Warriors

Emo Stars technical adviser Daniel Ogunmodede admitted his side was fortunate to secure a 3-2 victory over Abia Warriors in Ikenne on Wednesday.

Abia Warriors took a 2-0 lead in the first half, with goals from Ayodele Eziekel and Anthony Ijoma. However, Emo Stars responded with three goals from Olamilekan Adebayo, Jabbar Malik, and Franck Mawuena to clinch the win.

Ogunmodede acknowledged that his team had underestimated their opponents but managed to turn things around. “The game was tense and shocking in the first half on our home ground. Not every time you will be lucky against a great team we played against,” he said in the post-match interview.

“We underestimated the qualities of our opponent, and we were punished for it. But luckily, we identified the problem and readjusted to get the victory.”

Emo Stars will now aim to build on this win as they continue their campaign

Nigeria Premier League

Kano Pillars eye maximum points in midweek showdown with Ikorodu City

Kano Pillars are determined to secure all three points in their upcoming fixture against Ikorodu City in the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

The Sai Masu Gida will face Ikorodu City at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena in Lagos on Wednesday.

Usman Abdallah’s side is upbeat and focused ahead of the match, with the players in high spirits.

“Done and dusted with the shake-ups ahead of our NPFL25 Matchday 21 clash against Ikorodu City this Wednesday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos,” Kano Pillars wrote on X.

“The boys are in high spirits and determined to secure maximum points as we aim to continue our impressive run this season.”

Kano Pillars currently sit in eighth place on the league table with 28 points.

Nigeria Premier League

Brown Ideye criticizes NPFL standards, calls for major improvements

Enyimba striker Brown Ideye has expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL), stating that significant improvements are needed to elevate its standard.

Ideye, who rejoined the league in December 2024 after signing for Enyimba, has made appearances in both NPFL and CAF Confederation Cup matches, scoring two goals so far.

Sharing his thoughts following Enyimba’s 2-0 defeat to Kwara United in a rescheduled matchday 16 fixture in Ilorin, Ideye voiced concerns about the league’s challenges.

“The system is getting worse; the league is not improving. I feel like we have a long way to go,” Ideye remarked during an interview.

Despite enjoying his time at Enyimba, the former West Brom striker emphasized that much remains to be addressed in the league.

“My time at Enyimba has been wonderful, but there are a lot of things in the league that need improvement and haven’t changed yet,” he added.

On the poor performances of Nigerian clubs in CAF competitions, Ideye highlighted critical areas requiring attention.

“In terms of traveling, feeding, hotel accommodations, and player relaxation — it’s all bad. Nigerians are not ready for continental competitions. We need to put our house in order before going there, instead of embarrassing ourselves.”