Sports
Lagos Celebrates Historic Success of Inaugural EKO 170 Gran Fondo.
…… A Triumph of Collaboration and National Pride
Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling economic hub, transformed into a vibrant stage for endurance cycling this past weekend as the inaugural Lagos Gran Fondo “EKO 170” concluded triumphantly on January 11, 2026. The groundbreaking 170-kilometre mass-participation race, Africa’s longest urban cycling event of its kind, drew hundreds of elite and amateur cyclists from across Nigeria and beyond, marking a major milestone in the city’s push for sports tourism, healthy living, and sustainable mobility.
The event, organized by the Dynastar Sport and Education Foundation and fully endorsed by the Lagos State Government, aligned seamlessly with the state’s strategic development goals, including traffic management, health and environment, tourism, and governance. Starting and finishing at the iconic Eko Atlantic City, participants tackled challenging routes that showcased Lagos’s stunning coastal beauty, modern infrastructure, and dynamic urban landscape — from Victoria Island through Lekki-Epe Expressway to Epe and back.
The race featured two distances: a demanding 170km full course and a more accessible 70km option, with full traffic diversions and security support from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and other agencies ensuring safety from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This grand achievement was a powerful demonstration of what visionary leadership and collective effort can accomplish. The Lagos State Government’s crucial backing provided the essential framework of legitimacy, security coordination, and inter-agency support, while a coalition of forward-thinking private partners brought the vision to life.
Among the key contributors was Mikano International, Motors Division and Changan, serving as the Official Infrastructure Partner. Their foundational support helped deliver the high-quality execution that made the event possible.
More than just a sporting spectacle, the EKO 170 served as a masterclass in collaborative nation-building — bringing together government, communities, athletes, and corporate partners to create a replicable model of excellence for Nigeria. It inspired healthier lifestyles, boosted local tourism, and positioned Lagos as a rising global destination for world-class endurance sports.
As the dust settles on this historic weekend, the EKO 170 stands as a national triumph, proving that when Lagos unites in purpose, extraordinary results follow. Organizers and officials are already looking ahead to future editions that will further elevate Africa’s megacity on the international stage.
Sports
FIFA ranks Super Eagles third in Africa, 26th globally
Globally, France has reclaimed the number one spot after wins over Colombia and Brazil, overtaking Spain, which was held to a goalless draw by a ten-man Egypt. Argentina, England, Portugal, and Brazil round out the top six.
The world’s football body , FIFA, has ranked Nigeria’s Super Eagles third in Africa (behind Morocco and Senegal), and 26th globally.
In a post on FIFA’s website on Wednesday, the ranking reflects Nigeria’s strong performances in friendlies, including a 2‑1 win over Iran and a 2‑2 draw with Jordan, as well as their showing at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
In the 2025 AFCON tournament, Nigeria won five matches against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, Mozambique, and Algeria, drew with Morocco in the semi-finals, and defeated Egypt in the third-place playoff.
Other nations saw minor adjustments in the rankings.
Iran slipped from 20th to 21st following consecutive defeats, while Jordan moved up to 63rd after draws with Nigeria and Costa Rica.
Globally, France has reclaimed the number one spot after wins over Colombia and Brazil, overtaking Spain, which was held to a goalless draw by a ten-man Egypt. Argentina, England, Portugal, and Brazil round out the top six.
Sports
FirstBank Sponsors Samuel Okwaraji U-16 Football Championship 2026
The tournament will engage secondary schools from all 36 states and the FCT, in a two-stage competition.
FirstBank, through its First@Sports initiative, is sponsoring the maiden edition of the Samuel Okwaraji Under 16 Football Championship.
The competition is a nationwide youth football tournament organised to honour the late Samuel Okwaraji, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated football legends renowned for his patriotism, discipline, and commitment to national service.
The tournament will engage secondary schools from all 36 states and the FCT, in a two-stage competition.
The first stage will feature zonal eliminations across the six geopolitical zones, followed by a national final in Abuja featuring the top 12 qualifying teams.
In a statement , the Managing Director/ CEO of FirstBank, Olusegun Alebiosu, said: “Football is the strongest unifier of Nigerians. It brings communities together, inspires discipline, and nurtures talents across the country.
FirstBank is making a deliberate incursion into grassroots football development with this sponsorship, creating an enabling environment for the next generation of Samuel Okwarajis to discover, refine, and maximise their potential, thereby shaping the future of Nigerian football.”
In his remarks, Senator Osita Izunaso, the Chairman of the Championship Organising Committee commended FirstBank for throwing its weight around the championship.
Sports
Sportsville Awards: Olopade Leads NSC Delegation to Honour Dikko with Transformative Impact Award
The Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, on Tuesday led a high-powered delegation from the Commission to the prestigious Sportsville Awards in Lagos to honour NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko.
Dikko is set to receive the Transformative Impact Award at the 2026 edition of the Sportsville Special Recognition Awards, in recognition of his outstanding leadership and contributions to repositioning Nigerian sports.
The NSC delegation’s presence underscored the Commission’s unity and support for its Chairman, who has been widely praised for driving reforms, fostering inclusivity, and delivering renewed optimism in Nigerian sports administration alongside Olopade.
Former NPFL scribe Salihu Abubakar and other stakeholders have already extended congratulations to Dikko, describing the nomination as well-deserved.
Stakeholders, including Dr. Danladi Bako, have lauded Sportsville as one of the most authentic sports awards in the country, commending the organisers for recognising genuine impact in the sector.
The sixth edition of the Sportsville Awards, which also featured former Minister of Sports, Sunday Dare, as a top guest, celebrates excellence and transformative contributions across Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem.
Other nominees include Hon. Itiako Ikpokpo and several prominent figures in sports development.
Hon. Olopade, who himself was recently crowned Sports Administrator of the Year at the New Telegraph Awards, dedicated previous honours to President Bola Tinubu and Chairman Dikko, highlighting the collaborative leadership driving Nigeria’s sports renaissance.
Mallam Shehu Dikko’s leadership at the NSC has been credited with major gains in infrastructure, athlete welfare, and international competitiveness, marking a turning point for Nigerian sports.
The event is expected to draw key stakeholders from the sports industry, government, and private sector as it honours individuals making lasting contributions to the development of sports in Nigeria.
Full coverage and reactions from the awards ceremony are anticipated as the night unfolds in Lagos.
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