Abeokuta 10km Race: Nigerian Athletes Shine as Dare, Olopade Grace Grand Return
Oru Leonard
ABEOKUTA — The ancient city of Abeokuta on Saturday witnessed a colourful return of the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race, as more than 1,000 Nigerian athletes took to the streets for the fifth edition of the prestigious road race.
Organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), the race attracted prominent sports personalities, government officials, sponsors and athletics enthusiasts, including former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, and the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade.
The 2026 edition, held on October 3 after the organisers skipped the 2025 edition, was exclusively reserved for Nigerian athletes in what organisers described as a deliberate effort to promote and empower homegrown athletics talent.
The race commenced at exactly 7am from Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, with runners navigating the hilly and scenic streets of Abeokuta before crossing the finish line at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto.
Musa Francis James emerged winner of the men’s race with a time of 30:25.33, while Ilya Raymond placed second in 30:38.06 and Gyang Sunday finished third in 30:47.00.
In the women’s category, Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo took the top position in 35:00.69, followed by Bulus Mary Jah in 35:58.71 and Nwantiyi Teyei Davou in 36:03.09.
Despite limiting participation to Nigerian athletes, NSML retained the elite prize purse traditionally associated with the race’s international field. Winners in the men’s and women’s categories received $1,000 each, while the first and second runners-up received $750 and $500 respectively.
Every athlete who completed the race was also presented with a commemorative medal.
Speaking on the event, NSML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yetunde Olopade, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and support received from stakeholders, particularly the Ogun State Government.
She also appreciated sponsors and partners, including Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, Aquafina and 7UP, for supporting the race.
Olopade explained that the decision to move the race from its originally announced date of September 26 to October 3 was necessitated by arrangements that could not be overlooked, assuring that the adjustment would not compromise the quality or significance of the event.
Race Director, Yusuf Alli, said adequate logistics had been deployed to ensure the safety and comfort of participants and the smooth conduct of the competition.
The NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, highlighted the opportunities the race provides for Nigerian athletes and commended the organisers for maintaining equal prize money for male and female winners.
He said initiatives of this nature would contribute to the development of athletics while creating opportunities for athletes to compete and earn recognition.
Also speaking, Sunday Dare commended Nilayo Sports Management Limited for maintaining the standard of the competition and praised Abeokuta residents for their enthusiastic support.
Dare was among dignitaries invited to the podium to present medals to some of the outstanding athletes. Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the NSC Director General, also presented a medal during the ceremony.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka; Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Tunde Delu; former Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye; and former members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Femi Allen Taylor and Idowu Olowofuja.
The event concluded with a post-race concert at the finish-line area, adding entertainment to a competition that combined athletics, community participation and healthy living.
The return of the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race further provided a platform for Nigerian athletes to compete at an elite level while supporting the broader effort to strengthen grassroots sports development and promote athletics in the country.
