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
Eguavoen appointed interim Super Falcons coach ahead of 2028 Olympic qualifiers
Former Super Falcons defender Ayisat Yusuf—who earned 68 caps and featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics—also joins as an assistant coach, alongside veteran goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa.
• Augustine “Cerezo” Eguavoen
Former Super Eagles head coach Augustine “Cerezo” Eguavoen has been appointed to lead Nigeria’s Super Falcons on a temporary basis as the search for a permanent manager continues.
His immediate assignment is navigating the 2028 Olympic Games second-round qualifying tie against Comoros this October.
The Vanguard reported that Eguavoen ‘s immediate assignment is navigating the 2028 Olympic Games second-round qualifying tie against Comoros this October.
Eguavoen brings top-tier experience to the role, having previously guided the Super Eagles to a bronze medal at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.
The interim technical crew is Nasarawa Amazons head coach Christopher Danjuma, who recently led the Falconets at the 2024 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup.
Former Super Falcons defender Ayisat Yusuf—who earned 68 caps and featured at the 2008 Beijing Olympics—also joins as an assistant coach, alongside veteran goalkeeper trainer Olatunji Baruwa.
The 10-time African champions will kick off their campaign against Comoros, who advanced after a staggering 30-0 aggregate win over Sudan.
Both legs of the fixture will take place at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo on October 9 and 13, 2026.
Sports
Falconets lose World Cup opener to Spain
Spain, who won the competition in 2022, controlled much of the encounter at the Arena Sosnowiec and took the lead in the 13th minute through Marisa García.
Nigeria’s Falconets lost their 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup opening match to Spain by 2-0 in the Group F opener in Poland on Monday.
Spain, who won the competition in 2022, controlled much of the encounter at the Arena Sosnowiec and took the lead in the 13th minute through Marisa García.
The goal came after Noemí Bejarano worked her way down the flank before sending a low ball into the box, with García finishing to put Spain ahead.
Nigeria struggled to create clear chances in the first half and had to wait until the 37th minute for their first attempt, with Kafayat Mafisere shooting wide from distance.
The Falconets returned from the break with greater attacking intent, with Precious Oscar and Victory Lucky introduced as Nigeria sought an equaliser.
However, Spain remained dangerous, and goalkeeper Laia López kept out Nigeria’s attempts as the European side maintained its advantage.
Sports
Infantino To Seek Re-Election As FIFA President In 2027
If re-elected, the 56-year-old Swiss would remain FIFA president until 2031.
FIFA says Gianni Infantino will stand for re-election in 2027.
If re-elected, the 56-year-old Swiss would remain FIFA president until 2031.
Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since 2016, has faced growing pressure following his controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA competitions to private investment firms.
The plan triggered widespread criticism across the football community, with UEFA threatening to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, in opposition to the proposal.“Of course, nothing has changed. Mr Infantino will be standing for re-election,” FIFA said in a statement.
The confirmation comes after Infantino declined to answer questions about his political future when questioned by reporters at the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland on Saturday.
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