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
Olympic qualifier: Comoros to face Super Falcons following 30-0 victory over Sudan
They progressed 30–0 on aggregate and will now face a significantly tougher challenge against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, in the next round.
Comoros have booked a date with African champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria, after a 30–0 aggregate victory over Sudan in the first round of the qualifiers for the 2028 Olympic Games.
The Coelacanths won the first leg 17–0 on June 3 before following it up with a 13–0 triumph five days later to complete a dominant aggregate win.
In the first leg, Comoros opened the scoring after eight minutes before producing a relentless attacking display that overwhelmed Sudan throughout the encounter.
Nine different players got on the scoresheet in a performance that highlighted the depth and attacking quality of the Comorian side.
In the second leg on Monday, Comoros scored three goals in the first half and added 10 more after the break to seal a 13–0 victory.
They progressed 30–0 on aggregate and will now face a significantly tougher challenge against Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Africa’s most successful women’s national team, in the next round.
The Super Falcons are expected to go into the tie as strong favourites.
Credit: PUNCH
Sports
Rivers United escape tragedy after team bus crash
In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.
Photo: Rivers United bus crash, 4 June 2026
Players and officials of Rivers United escaped serious injury on Thursday after the club’s team bus was involved in a road accident while travelling to Anambra State for a President Federation Cup fixture.
The Nigeria Premier Football League side was on its way to Awka for a Round of 16 clash against Nasarawa United when the incident occurred along the Obiri-Ikwerre Airport Road on the outskirts of Port Harcourt.
The Vanguard reported that the accident happened shortly after the team departed from its camp, raising concerns among supporters and members of the football community.
In a statement, Rivers United confirmed that although some players and officials sustained minor injuries, there were no fatalities or life-threatening cases.
The club said those affected were receiving medical attention and remained in stable condition.
Sports
Nigeria Volleyball Federation Unveils New National Coaching Structure
The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.
The Nigeria Volleyball Federation (NVBF) has announced a comprehensive overhaul of its national coaching setup, appointing new technical staff across its Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s, age-grade, and Beach Volleyball teams.
This strategic move aims to bolster the technical development of the sport and ensure robust preparation for upcoming regional, continental, and international competitions.
The appointments, which followed a rigorous selection process, see Taiwo Oladipupo taking the helm as Head Coach for the Senior Men’s team, supported by Twevini Yohanna and Jonah Adamu. Elam Elishama will lead the Senior Women’s squad, with Segun Abinde as Assistant Coach and Sunday Yunana Akapson as Setters Trainer.
New coaching teams have also been named for the Under-19 Boys and Girls, Under-17 Boys and Girls, and both Men’s and Women’s Beach Volleyball teams. Notable appointments include Adamu Nite for the U19 Boys, Vincent Unogwu for the U19 Girls, Sunday Yunana Akapson for the U17 Girls, and Suleiman Ajeigbe for the U17 Boys. John Iwerima and Jonathan Thaj will guide the Men’s Beach Volleyball team, while Kayode and Felicia Amos will oversee the Women’s Beach Volleyball squad.
Godspower A. Odedede, Chairman of the NVBF Media and Publicity Committee, stated that the Federation expects the coaches to leverage their extensive experience and professionalism to drive the national teams towards excellence.
The NVBF reiterated its commitment to cultivating a strong talent pipeline and a culture of achievement to enhance Nigeria’s standing in both indoor and beach volleyball.
Source: LEADERSHIP
Commotion In National Assembly Over Fire Outbreak
You’re looking for campaign funds — Okonkwo reacts to Obi’s N5bn defamation suit
Bamidele tasks 11th Senate to consider single term for President, govs
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
News2 days agoCourt Voids ₦110bn N’Assembly Vehicles, Allowances
-
Business3 days agoSenate’s approval of Sugar – Sweetened Beverages Tax Bill, Shocking, says CPPE, Lobbying Reps for rejection
-
News3 days agoCourt Declares National Assembly’s N110bn SUV and Allowance Schemes Unlawful
-
Politics2 days agoNDC Declares Party Supremacy, Approves Code of Conduct Committee
-
News2 days agoFG Clears Five-Month Allowance Arrears for University Lecturers
-
News2 days agoLagos Begins 500-Tree Campaign to Tackle Extreme Heat
-
Politics2 days ago2027: Lagos APC picks Damilola as Hamzat ‘s Deputy Governor
-
Entertainment2 days agoNigerian-British Singer Talay Riley Dies in London Stabbing, Others Mourn