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ETHIOPIAN NATIONALS WIN $60,000 FIRST PRIZE IN LAGOS CITY MARATHON, AS SANWO-OLU RACES WITH ATHLETES  

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ARE MUSLIMS SHORTCHANGED IN SANWO-OLU’S CABINET LIST? 

ETHIOPIAN NATIONALS WIN $60,000 FIRST PRIZE IN LAGOS CITY MARATHON, AS SANWO-OLU RACES WITH ATHLETES

 

…‘Getting Contest From Elite To Platinum Level By 2024 Our Top Priority’ – Governor

 

…Dr. Hamzat, Sports Minister, Edo Deputy Governor Take Part In Marathon

At exactly 8:03am on Saturday, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu crossed the finish line of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, ceremonially becoming the first athlete to breast the final ribbon.

Ethiopia’s runner, Ulfata Deresa, finished the 42-kilometre-long race 11 minutes after the Governor’s arrival and became the winner of the marathon’s 7th edition in the male category. He set a new finish time record of 2:11:58 and clinched $30,000 cash prize.

Sanwo-Olu took off from the State House in Marina, jogging through highways to Eko Atlantic City; he covered 8km distance in 40 minutes.

The Governor teamed up with his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Minister for Sport and Youth Development, Mr. Sunday Dare, Deputy Governor of Edo State, Comrade Philip Shuaibu, Lagos Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Chairman of Lagos State Sports Commission (LSSC), Shola Aiyepeku, and LSSC Director-General, Gafaar Bolowotan, among other top functionaries, to participate in the symbolic flag-off.

The marathon is an elite-labeled athletic fiesta held in second weekend in February of every year in Lagos and draws participation from local and international teams in the athletic ecosystem. It kicked off at 6am.

Sanwo-Olu said the event had consistently placed Lagos on the global radar, noting that the sporting fiesta had become a yearly ritual for athletes.

The Governor said the marathon embodied the spirit of Lagos, which teaches endurance, perseverance and resilience while toiling through physical strength.

He said: “One of the objectives of this event is to put Lagos on a global platform in the area of sport. Every year, new records are broken and the marathon gets bigger and better. As a Government, we are fully committed to sustaining this noble initiative and leading from the front to ensure that all participants, especially, our youths, get the best from this event.

“I acknowledge the great work which Access Bank and all other sponsors have put in to make this edition a success. The goal of the marathon is to use sport as a tool to promote physical fitness, togetherness, resilience and every virtue that can make human beings progress and live fulfilling life. This is the strongest rallying point for our youths and next edition would be better than what we have had this year.”

Sanwo-Olu pledged his Government would be relentless in raising the status of the marathon to a platinum-labeled event to attract more participants beyond Africa.

This, the Governor said, would open up the State’s economy for more foreign investment and boost tourism revenue for operators in the sector.

Sanwo-Olu said the decision of Kenyan Airways, a global aviation brand, to be part of the sponsors of the event this year indicated that the marathon would bring more tourism opportunities for Lagos if attained platinum level.

“We target the next two years to get this marathon to the platinum level, which means the event would be fully globalised. When this is achieved, every second weekend in February becomes calendarised for this marathon and Lagos would become a place to be and a destination for all sport enthusiasts,” the Governor said.

Presenting the prizes to the winners, Sanwo-Olu encouraged participants from Nigeria to brace themselves for first prizes in the next year’s edition.

Two Kenyans, David Barmasai and Naibe Emmanuel, finished as first and second runners-up in the male category, at 2:13:27 and 2:14:42 respectively. They got a cash prize of $20,000 and $15,000.

In the female category, Ethiopian marathoner, Dagne Siranesh Yirga, won the race at 2:33:50. She received $30,000 cash prize.

Alemenesh Herehaguta and Naomi Maiyo, both Kenyans, won $20,000 and $15,000 as first and second runners-up in the female category.

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Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich

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Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich

Nigerian Stars Shine as Aribo, Onuachu Fire Southampton to Vital Win Over Ipswich

 

Southampton’s head coach, Ivan Juric, has heaped praise on Nigerian duo Joe Aribo and Paul Onuachu after their crucial goals secured a dramatic 2-1 victory over Ipswich Town on Saturday, lifting the Saints’ spirits in a turbulent season.

Heading into the match at Portman Road, Southampton had endured a disastrous run of form, managing just one win in 23 league outings. The poor results had left them rooted to the bottom of the Premier League table, struggling to find consistency. However, Aribo’s first-half opener and Onuachu’s late winner ensured the Saints claimed all three points, marking Juric’s first victory since taking charge of the club.

After the match, an elated Juric expressed his delight with the team’s resilience and singled out Aribo and Onuachu for their outstanding performances.

“It’s a great feeling,” Juric told Southampton’s official website. “I think we’ve played even better games, like against Manchester United, but didn’t get the points. Today, we suffered in some moments, but the guys showed great character, and we deserved the win.”

The head coach particularly praised Onuachu for his persistence and impact off the bench, highlighting his decisive goal as a testament to his hard work.

“It was a great moment. He [Onuachu] deserved it because he worked hard. It’s his second goal, and I believe he can score more. His work rate for the team has been fantastic,” Juric said.

Aribo, who has played in various positions this season, also earned special recognition for his versatility and commitment.

“Joe [Aribo] is a great guy. He always puts the team first—whether he’s playing in attack, midfield, or even defense. Today, he played left centre-back in the second half, and he did an amazing job. He worked really hard, and his performance was fantastic,” Juric added.

Southampton Still in Trouble Despite Crucial Win

While the victory was a morale booster for the struggling Saints, their position in the league remains precarious. With just nine points from 24 English Premier League games, Southampton still sit at the bottom of the table and are facing the real threat of relegation to the EFL Championship.

However, the performances of Aribo and Onuachu, along with Juric’s growing influence on the squad, offer a glimmer of hope for a potential turnaround in their campaign. The Saints will need more inspired performances from their key players if they are to climb out of the relegation zone and secure their Premier League status.

As Southampton prepares for their next crucial fixtures, all eyes will be on Aribo and Onuachu to continue delivering when it matters most. Can they help the Saints pull off an unlikely escape? Time will tell.

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South West Games 2025: Lagos to Host as NSC Endorses Regional Sports Revolution

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BAT-SWAG: Inaugural Bola Ahmed Tinubu South West Alliance Games Set to Spotlight Region’s Athletic Prowess

A Grand Sporting Vision to Discover, Unify Budding Talents

All roads lead to March 2025. In the third month of the new calendar year, a grand new spectacle is set to unfold as the National Sports Commission (NSC) partners with Practagali Limited to host the maiden edition of the South West Games 2025. A sub-tournament of this pioneering initiative, the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games (BAT-SWAG), will serve as an illustrious platform to unearth and nurture the region’s next generation of sporting talents.

Like a well-struck gong resonating across the six Southwestern states—Ekiti, Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Ogun, and Oyo—this tournament heralds a new dawn of competitive sportsmanship, youth empowerment, and regional unity. More than a tournament, the South West Games 2025 is an epochal rallying call for athletes, policymakers, and sports enthusiasts to converge in celebration of skill, endurance, and the unifying spirit of the game.

The NSC, from its citadel of sports governance, has endorsed the historic event. In a declaration suffused with optimism, the Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olawale Olopade, underscored the Commission’s commitment to ensuring the Games achieve their full potential. “The South West Games 2025 and the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games are not mere contests of athletic prowess; they are platforms for youth engagement, talent discovery, and community unity. The NSC recognizes the immense potential of this initiative to elevate sports development and nation-building.”

He further emphasized that beyond the spectacle of competition, these Games will become conduits for leadership growth, skill development, and economic stimulation across the region. To this end, the NSC has pledged its unwavering support in providing technical expertise, logistical assistance, and strategic direction to ensure the tournament meets international standards.

“By uniting people through sports, the Games will not only elevate the competitive landscape of the region but will also serve as an engine for fostering resilience, discipline, and social cohesion,” Olopade remarked. He lauded Practagali Limited for its visionary leadership in conceiving such an initiative, stressing that the synergy between government and private stakeholders will be crucial in redefining the Southwest as a veritable hub of sporting excellence.

The decision to host the inaugural edition of the South West Games in Lagos stands as a testament to the state’s towering reputation as the heartbeat of Nigerian sports. From its world-class sporting infrastructure to its history of hosting elite competitions, Lagos offers a fertile ground upon which this grand sporting vision will blossom.

The Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, expressed confidence in the state’s ability to deliver a spectacle worthy of its name. “Hosting the inaugural Bola Ahmed Tinubu Southwest Alliance Games is a reaffirmation of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s unwavering commitment to sports development. Lagos has consistently championed the cause of athletic excellence, making it the perfect launchpad for this historic initiative.”

Echoing this sentiment, Victor Ganzallo, the Spokesman for the Games, described BAT-SWAG as a potent tool to channel the energies of youth into productive ventures, particularly in an era where social vices lurk as omnipresent threats. He said, “Sports possess an unparalleled power to transform lives, and BAT-SWAG is designed to harness this power to inspire, uplift, and empower young people.

“The legacy of BAT-SWAG will be measured not just in the moments of triumph on the field but in the opportunities it creates, the lives it transforms, and the communities it uplifts. This is more than a sporting event; it is a movement.”

On her part, Funmilola Adedipe, the Managing Director of Practagali Partners, the Games are designed to be more than just an exhibition of athletic prowess—they will be a blueprint for youth engagement, grassroots talent development, and the cultivation of a robust sporting culture within the region. “The South West Games will not only provide a podium for young athletes to shine but will also catalyze the creation of a sustainable ecosystem where sports serve as a gateway to economic empowerment, education, and career advancement.”

The South West Games 2025 is geared to transcend the traditional confines of competition, offering an eclectic mix of sporting disciplines tailored to both contemporary and indigenous traditions. Competitions will span athletics (track and field), basketball, boxing, football, table tennis, and traditional African games such as Ayo-Olopon and Abula. In a commendable move towards inclusivity, the event will also feature adaptive sports, ensuring that athletes with disabilities are afforded an equal platform to showcase their skills.

Beyond the fanfare of medals and trophies, the South West Games 2025 is designed to leave an enduring imprint on the socio-economic fabric of the region. The influx of athletes, spectators, and corporate sponsors is expected to invigorate local economies, drive infrastructural enhancements, and foster an enduring culture of sports patronage.

Moreover, as the Games become institutionalized, they will serve as a breeding ground for future Olympians, national team prospects, and international sports icons. The organizers envision a tournament where every participant—whether triumphant or not—leaves with valuable lessons in discipline, teamwork, and resilience.

As the countdown begins to the inaugural South West Games 2025, the stakes have never been higher. For the NSC, Practagali Limited, and the Lagos State Sports Commission, this is a defining moment—a chance to etch an indelible chapter in Nigeria’s sporting annals.

With Lagos as its grand stage, and with the NSC’s strategic oversight, BAT-SWAG is primed to become a hub of talent discovery, youth engagement, and regional unity. The Southwest is on the cusp of a sporting renaissance as the echoes of competition reverberate across its landscapes.

The stage is set, the anticipation palpable. The South West Games 2025 beckon, promising a spectacle not merely to be witnessed, but to be felt in the very heartbeat of the region.

South West Games 2025: Lagos to Host as NSC Endorses Regional Sports Revolution

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Lookman, Oshoala, Ajibade & Nnadozie Nominated for EA FC 25 Team of the Year

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Lookman, Oshoala, Ajibade & Nnadozie Nominated for EA FC 25 Team of the Year

Lookman, Oshoala, Ajibade & Nnadozie Nominated for EA FC 25 Team of the Year

In a testament to their exceptional performances over the past year, Nigerian stars Ademola Lookman, Asisat Oshoala, Rasheedat Ajibade, and Chiamaka Nnadozie have been nominated for the prestigious EA FC 25 Team of the Year.

Lookman, Oshoala, Ajibade & Nnadozie Nominated for EA FC 25 Team of the Year

The nominees were revealed on January 6, and fans worldwide can now vote for their favorite players to earn a spot in the sought-after squad. The EA FC Team of the Year celebrates the best-performing footballers across men’s and women’s football, with this year marking the inclusion of a full women’s squad.

Nigerian Stars Shine Bright

Ademola Lookman, who plays for Atalanta, has been recognized for his standout performances in the Serie A, while Asisat Oshoala, the Bay FC striker, continues to dominate the women’s game with her scoring prowess. Atletico Madrid forward Rasheedat Ajibade and Paris FC goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie have also earned their spots among the elite nominees for their consistent excellence.

A Historic Year for EA FC

This year’s Team of the Year nominations feature an expanded roster, with male and female players vying for places in their respective squads. The inclusion of women’s football in EA FC Ultimate Team underscores the growing recognition of the women’s game on a global stage.

Notable names alongside the Nigerian stars include Lionel Messi, Erling Haaland, Alexia Putellas, and Kadidiatou Diani. Fans can vote for their favorite players, with winners set to receive limited-edition cards in the EA FC Ultimate Team mode, celebrated for their heightened stats and rarity.

How to Vote

Fans can cast their votes through the EA Sports official website. The voting period will remain open for a limited time, with the final Team of the Year set to be revealed soon after.

The inclusion of Lookman, Oshoala, Ajibade, and Nnadozie in the nomination list highlights their impact on the global football stage and continues to shine a spotlight on Nigeria’s growing influence in the sport.

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