Local News

Lagos City Marathon 2024: Why Are You Running, The Alfredo Durugo Story

Published

12 months ago

December 4, 2023

Lagos, a city that pulses with energy, dreams, and resilience, hosts an annual spectacle that transcends the mere act of running. The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, a mix of sweat, determination, and community, invites runners from all walks of life to answer a simple yet profound question: Why are you running?

The Lagos City Marathon, for the oldest woman in Nigerian sports history to run and finish a Marathon race, Madam Alfredo Durugo (62 years old school teacher) is not just an annual event; it’s a pilgrimage, a ritual she’s embraced for the past eight years. Her journey began as a personal challenge but has since evolved into a testament to endurance, resilience, and the unwavering spirit of Lagos.

The question that echoes with every stride “Mom, aren’t you tired of running?” her children often asked, puzzled by their mother’s commitment to an annual feat that demands both physical and mental stamina. But for Alfredo Durugo, the answer lies beyond the simplicity of the question. It’s in the fame she’s garnered, the camaraderie she’s built, and the sense of purpose that fuels her every stride.

For Durugo the race transcends beyond the finish line. With each marathon completed, Alfredo Durugo became a local celebrity, a familiar face in the bustling streets of Lagos. Her story is not just hers anymore, the recognition she receives goes beyond the medal; it’s a testament to her dedication and an acknowledgment of her place in the marathon’s legacy.

But why does she keep running? It’s a question that Alfredo Durugo answers with a smile as she reflects on every stride, each representing a cause, a dream, or a personal triumph.

Her answer to the question “Why are you running?” is layered with the joy of accomplishment and the pride of being part of something bigger than herself.

In Alfredo Durugo journey, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon becomes more than a race; it’s a celebration of life, community, and the enduring spirit of a woman who runs not just for the fame or the support but for the euphoria that happens when thousands of hearts beat as one on the streets of Lagos.

Author

Ambrose Ijeh

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Local News

Champions League: Ayodele Thomas Congratulates Edo Queens On Semi-Finals Ticket

Published

9 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

Champions League: Ayodele Thomas Congratulates Edo Queens On Semi-Finals Ticket

One of Nigeria’s foremost female football promoter and investors, Ayodele Thomas, has congratulated the management and team of Nigeria’s representatives at the ongoing CAF Women’s Champions league, Edo Queens, for beating defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1, to qualify for the semi-finals stage of the championship.

In his statement, Thomas, the CEO of TopPro Sports Management Company, described the feats of the Edo Queens, as awesome and inspiring. He noted that while no Nigerian female club has reached this level, the Edo Queens have invariably made a statement that female football in Nigeria, is once again, on the rise.

“I am proud of our girls. Beating the defending champions to qualify for the semi-finals in no mean feat. They are true ambassadors of Nigeria.

“Let me also appreciate the efforts of the Edo State government and the State Sports Commission. They have been instrumental in all the feats achieved so far, by the girls,” Thomas added.

He went ahead to urge the girls to beat their next opponents, TP Mazembe, and go ahead to make history as the first Nigerian female team to win the lucrative CAF Women’s Champions League title.

Author

Ambrose Ijeh

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Local News

Edo Queens Battle TP Mazembe For Champions League Final Place

Published

15 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

Edo Queens Battle TP Mazembe For Champions League Final Place

Gritty Nigerian champions Edo Queens will now battle TP Mazembe for a place in the CAF Women’s Champions League final after they literally came from the dead to upstage mighty Mamelodi Sundowns.

The Nigerian champions won Group B with seven points and will Tuesday do battle in the semifinal against TP Mazembe, who finished as runners-up in Group A.

Home team AS FAR of Morocco will take on FC Masar of Egypt in the other semifinal.

Edo Queens were heading home after they conceded the opening goal in the 24th minute to two-time Champions League winners Sundowns, before they scored twice in stoppage.

Emem Essien, who inspired the comeback with the equaliser, was named Player of the Match.

Scorenigeria

Author

Ambrose Ijeh

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Local News

After Controversial Report, NFF Promise Super Eagles 10% Of Outstanding Monies

Published

15 hours ago

November 17, 2024

Ambrose Ijeh

After Controversial Report, NFF Promise Super Eagles 10% Of Outstanding Monies

After a controversial breaking story by ScoreNigeria, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau, has promised the Super Eagles will be paid 10% of their outstanding payments not later than next month.

The Super Eagles expressed their disappointment that they have not been paid allowances and bonuses with some of these monies dating as far back as 2020.

The players said this has caused them to lack the motivation to play for the national team.

This was at a meeting in Abidjan with Gusau.

The NFF boss has now given the team a commitment that due to the poor finances of the NFF, they will receive 10% of these monies in the new month.

However, close watchers have been left stunned by the rationale behind this payment even after the Federal Government of Nigeria paid 17 Billion Naira to the NFF to offset the debts owed the Super Eagles as well as the Flying Eagles, Falconets and the Golden Eaglets that go back several years.