Sports
Francis James, Esther Affigbo Win Maiden Ajegunle City Youth Marathon
The maiden Ajegunle City Youth Marathon came to a successful conclusion Saturday, November, 30, 2024 with Francis James and Esther Affigbo winning the men and women categories .
The 10 km race which was flagged off by Oba Moruf Amodu Tijani (Amore III), Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom at the Maracana Stadium terminated at the Nigerian Army Signals Barracks, Mike 2, Lagos
Immediately the race was flagged off, James kept no one in doubt about his ability to win the ultimate prize as he dictated the pace of the race from start to the inish point in a time of 32m: 0.2 seconds and was closely followed by Iliya Raymond who got to the finish line in a time of 32m: 0.4 seconds while the third position went to Emmanuel Dung Iliya who breast the tape in a time of 32m: 31 seconds.
In the female category, Esther Affigbo clocked a time of 1hr: 12:35 secs to be crowned winner while joy David came second on a time of 1hr: 13: 44 seconds with Fatade Hannah coming third with a time of 1hr: 27: 52 seconds.
Speaking on his victory, Francis James who said he has competed in many marathons before now, expressed happiness that he won the race ascribing his victory to hard work, constant training and determination.
In her own remarks, Affigbo who came a distant 7th at the last Lagos women marathon, identified determination as the secret behind her victory.
She also gave kudos to the organisers of the marathon just as she declared her preparedness to defend her title in the second edition.
In his remarks, the Royal Father of the day Oba Moruf Amodu Tijani (Amore III), Olu of Iwa and Apapa Kingdom expressed happiness that the youths came out in their hundreds to be part of the race while the residents equally lined up the streets cheering the runners with a declaration that Ajegunle will continue to set the pace for others to follow.
“With the successful organization of this marathon, you can see that Ajegunle is always number one while others follow.
” You’ll also see from the successful organisation of this marathon that Ajeromi/Ifelodun is always setting the pace for others to follow.
” I must aso say that I’m happy today because we are using this marathon to bring our youths out of the street and inculcate in them the idea that there’s always something to fall to instead of resorting to drugs, crime and other Anti- social behaviours.
” I equally thank God that it started well and ended well. There was no casualty nor accident and to show you the importance I attach to the marathon and the message it is bringing to the City, I walked right from the starting point to the finish point.
” Kudos must also go to all the philanthropists and political leaders who gave their moral and financial support to the organisers and the Nigerian Army for allowing us use their barrack and I charge the rest of the country to emulate what we’ve done.
“It’s equally important to state that Ajegunle is a mini Nigeria with every tribe represented here and even those from West Coast of Africa are residing here harmoniously with each other.
” We’re going to look into having a quarterly marathon to catch them young . You’re aware that we are number one in producing football stars, basketball players and athletes and now we’re focusing on marathon to show Nigerians that we have talented youths that can do us proud in long distance races.
In their separate remarks, Vice Chairman of Ajeromi/ Ifelodun Local Government Area, Hon. Lucky Uduikhue who represented the Chairman, Hon Fatai Ayoola, Hon Adewale Adeogun, member Governing Council of Nigerian Maritime University, Olawale Ariyo, Chairmanship aspirant for Ajeromi/ Ifelodun Local Government Area and the Sports Director General of the Local Government, McAnthony Anaelechukwu all expressed happiness with the successful organisation of the race, noting that lapses discovered in the maiden edition will be corrected in subsequent ones.
Project lead of the Ajegunle city youth marathon, Isaac Moses expressed happiness with the successes recorded at the marathon but was quick to add that there are a lot of areas they’ll work on to ensure that the second edition is more glamours.
Winners of the race got N300,000 while the first and second runners-up in both male and female categories went home with N200, 000 and N100,000 .
Also Megida Foundation splashed N50,000 each to the winners, a physically challenge athlete that participated in the race and an 11 year old boy who was the youngest competitor.
There was also raffle draws where different items were won by lucky winners.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) is deeply saddened by the passing of legendary Super Eagles goalkeeper and 1994 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champion, Peter Rufai, fondly known as Dodo Mayana, who pass on at the age of 61.
Rufai was not just a national treasure but a global ambassador of Nigerian football. His fearless goalkeeping, unmatched charisma, and commitment to the green and white made him a symbol of pride and resilience for millions of Nigerians.
Reacting to the news of his passing, chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, expressed deep sorrow:
“This is a deeply painful loss. Peter Rufai was not just a national hero, he was a rare soul whose humility, strength, and passion inspired all of us. His legacy lives on between the sticks and far beyond. Dodo Mayana gave us memories we will cherish forever. Nigeria mourns, but heaven welcomes a legend.”
Director General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, also paid tribute:
“Peter Rufai was a symbol of excellence and leadership in Nigerian sports. His commitment to the game, both on and off the field, was second to none. As we mourn this painful loss, we also celebrate a life that gave so much to Nigerian football. Rest well, legend—you will remain forever in our hearts.”
A stalwart of the golden era of Nigerian football, Rufai played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 AFCON triumph and represented the nation at two FIFA World Cup tournaments in 1994 and 1998, helping the Super Eagles reach the Round of 16 in both editions.
At the club level, he had an illustrious career across Europe, representing top teams in Belgium, the Netherlands, Portugal, and Spain—most notably Deportivo de La Coruña and Hércules CF.
Beyond his heroics on the pitch, Peter Rufai was a mentor and a beacon of inspiration to younger generations. After retirement, he dedicated his life to discovering and nurturing budding football talents, remaining a pillar of support and guidance in the football community.
The NSC extends heartfelt condolences to the Rufai family, the Nigerian football fraternity, and all those whose lives were touched by the great Dodo Mayana.
The Nigeria Taekwondo Federation has successfully hosted WT Level 2 (Higest Taekwondo Coaching Cadre Course) with about 40 taekwondo coaches drawn from different states and institutions across Nigeria.
The World Taekwondo designated Tarik Benradi from Morocco as the Course Resource person. Tarik Benradi doubles as the Chairman African Taekwondo Union Referees Department.
The course was declared open by the Chairman National Sports Commission Shehu Dikko. He was accompanied by senior officers of the NSC like the Director FEAD and many aides.
President Nigeria Taekwondo federation, Tayo Popoola was grateful for the rich support of the National Sports Commission.
The course covered core Taekwondo Coaching areas like Team Management, Athletes Psychology, Drug Education, Coaches Technical Knowledge of taekwondo contest rules etc. Physical, theoretical and visual means were employed to pass down instructions during the course.
All participants took an examination at the end of the course.
The Closing Ceremony was witnessed by the President NOC Engnr Habu Gumel.
Gumel promised to support the NTF if the next of such course could be hosted by Nigeria.
Nigeria will be hosting 2 World Taekwondo tournaments in August and September this year. Which are signs that Nigeria is gradually coming back to the taekwondo world map
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has congratulated the Comptroller General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on his election as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.
In a statement signed by NVBF President, Engineer Musa Nimrod, the Federation expressed confidence that CGC Adeniyi will bring innovation and transformation to the WCO.
Nimrod noted that Adeniyi has significantly improved the fortunes of Nigeria Customs in a short time, adding that the global community will soon feel his positive impact.
He also highlighted Adeniyi’s strong support for sports, particularly volleyball, through consistent sponsorships.
“The entire board of the Nigeria Volleyball Federation congratulates you on your election as Chairperson of the WCO Council,” the statement read.
“In just two years as CGC, you have not only boosted revenue collection and surpassed budgetary targets, but have also made substantial investments in volleyball.
“Under your leadership, the Nigeria Customs Service sponsored the 2024 Volleyball League and hosted the 2025 African Women’s Volleyball Club Championship, widely acclaimed as the best edition to date.
“We are confident you will exceed expectations at the WCO Council.”
CGC Adeniyi will officially assume leadership of the WCO Council on July 1, 2025, succeeding Edward Kieswetter, Commissioner of the South African Revenue Service.
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