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

NPFL: No Respite For Abdallah Yet As Kano Pillars Extend Suspension Of Technical Adviser

The Management of Kano Pillars FC, under the leadership of Chairman Alhaji Ali Muhammad Umar, has extended the suspension of its Technical Adviser, Usman Abdallah, until after the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) Match Day 28 fixture against Kwara United.

This decision was reached during a management meeting held on Sunday at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata.

The extension follows a request from the committee set up to investigate the matter, chaired by the club’s Disciplinary Committee Chairman, Alhaji Muhammad Danjuma Gwarzo, which is yet to conclude its findings.

As a result, Chief Coach Ahmed Garba Yaro Yaro will continue to lead the team in the upcoming fixtures against Akwa United on Wednesday, Rangers International at the weekend, and Kwara United on Match Day 28, pending further decisions regarding Abdallah’s return.

The club remains committed to upholding professionalism and discipline as it continues its campaign in the Nigeria Premier Football League.

Nigeria Premier League

Rangers Edge Remo Stars, Heartland Pip Shooting Stars in Dramatic Ties

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) matchday 24 fixtures were concluded on Sunday with three games spread across the country.

The ties produced some thrilling encounters, with Rangers International FC and Heartland FC securing crucial victories over Remo Stars FC and Shooting Stars Sports Club respectively.

Rangers edge Remo Stars

Rangers International FC secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Remo Stars FC at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on Sunday.

Midfielder Saviour Isaac opened the scoring for Rangers in the 30th minute, expertly converting a free kick from outside the 18-yard box.

Rangers doubled their lead in the 48th minute, courtesy of a well-crafted goal involving CHAN Eagles’ Kenneth Igboke and Kingsley Maduforo.

Remo Stars reduced the deficit in the 85th minute, through Sikiru Alimi but it was too little too late to salvage the outcome of the match.

Despite the loss, Remo Stars maintained their lead on the log with 48 points, while Rangers moved up to fourth position with 38 points.

Late Drama in Owerri

Heartland FC of Owerri secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan at the Dan Anyiam Stadium on Sunday.

Chukwuma Agor had opened the scoring for Heartland in the 31st minute, but the Oluyole Warriors equalised through a penalty kick in the 81st minute.

However, Heartland were awarded another penalty kick in the dying minutes of the game, which John Bassey successfully converted, despite initial controversy surrounding the referee’s decision.

Despite suffering back-to-back losses, Shooting Stars remained second on the log with 40 points from 24 matches.

Other result

In another match played on Sunday, Bendel Insurance secured a convincing 3-0 victory over Niger Tornadoes.

The concluding results of the matchday 24 encounters have shuffled the NPFL standings, setting the stage for more thrilling encounters in the coming weeks.

Premium Times

Nigeria Premier League

Nasarawa United Appoints Ex-Super Eagles Coach Yusuf

Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) strugglers, Nasarawa United have announced the appointment of former Super Eagles Chief Coach, Salisu Yusuf, as their new Technical Adviser.

He replaces the erstwhile manager, Kabiru Dogo, whose second stint at the club has been anything but successful.

The club in a statement released yesterday said: “We wish to announce that we have mutually agreed to part ways with Technical Director, Kabiru Dogo, effective immediately.

“This decision has been made following a thorough review of the club’s performance in the 2024/25 NPFL season, where we have fallen short of our expectations.

“Due to the precarious situation of the club, we have decided to appoint former Chief Coach of the Super Eagles, Salisu Yusuf to take charge of the team immediately.”

On his part, Dogo, appreciated the management for the opportunity to serve and wished the club the best in the tasks ahead.

Speaking to Daily Trust, the newly appointed CAF ‘A’ licenced coach expressed his readiness for the rescue mission at Nasarawa United.

He said: “I am aware of the precarious position of the club but I am ready for the challenge.

“It is not going to be easy but having been around for some time, I believe I can help Nasarawa United to navigate their way out of the red zone.

“I call on the teeming fans of the club to continue to remain unwavering in their support. By the special grace of God, Nasarawa United won’t be relegated.”

Nasarawa United presently 18th position on the NPFL table with 26 points from 24 matches.