Athletics

Dabo Targets International Breakthrough After 200m Triumph in Jos

Published

2 months ago

March 30, 2026

Enoch Dabo delivered a standout performance at the MTN CHAMPS Continental Relays in Jos, storming to victory in the men’s 200m to underline his growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s promising sprint talents.

The Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria final-year Physics student combined speed, determination, and composure to claim the title, capping off what he described as an emotionally fulfilling moment.

“I was over the moon when I crossed the line because I knew I was going to win,” Dabo said after the race. “I feel like pushing hard work for me, and my target is the Commonwealth and World Junior competitions.”

Dabo’s triumph in Jos represents more than just a race win—it highlights the resilience required to balance academic demands with elite-level athletics.

The young sprinter acknowledged the challenges he faced on his journey to the championship, describing it as “a bit stressful” in the build-up to the event.

Despite the pressure, he credits his progress to a strong support system, particularly his coach.

“I appreciate my coach. It is really not easy combining school with sports, but training with Coach Mike Monye Athletics School was an advantage for me,” he added.

His victory comes at a crucial point in the athletics calendar, with several international competitions on the horizon.

With renewed confidence and momentum, Dabo is now setting his sights on securing a place on the Nigerian team for global events later this year.

The performance in Jos not only reinforces his credentials but also signals his readiness to compete at higher levels.

As he continues to develop, Dabo’s blend of discipline—both in academics and athletics—positions him as a well-rounded athlete with the potential to make a significant impact on the international stage.

For now, his focus remains clear: build on this success, maintain consistency, and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

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The post Dabo Targets International Breakthrough After 200m Triumph in Jos appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Athletics

Olympic Day Tooke Run 2026: Hefty Ug.Shs 120,000,000 prize money kitty unveiled

Published

17 hours ago

June 3, 2026

Bryce Mullins

Event: Olympic Day Tooke Run 2026
Categories: Half Marathon (21KM), 10KM (Fun Run), 5KM (Walk for Fitness Inclusivity)
Prize money: Ug.Shs 120,000,000
Date: Saturday, 20th June 2026
Start & finish: Bushenyi sports ground
Theme: Move, Learn & Discover for Nutrition-Care
Chief Runner: His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni

The Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC), in partnership with Presidential Initiative on Banana Industrial Development (PIBIC) and Banana Industrial Research and Development Centre (BIRDC), officially unveiled a UGX 120,000,000 (One hundred and twenty million) prize cash for the 2026 Olympic Day Tooke Run set for 20th June in Bushenyi District.

Officials showing off the different prize money categories for the 2026 Olympic Day Tooke Run

The event to unveil this hefty prize money took place at the BIRDC head offices in Kampala on Tuesday, 2nd June 2026.

Rev. Professor Florence Muranga Isabirye, the Nutrition Ambassador at Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) graced the event flanked by UOC’s administrator Elijah Njawuzi and the route director Timothy Masaba.

Rev. Professor Florence Muranga Isabirye addressing the media in Kampala

“The prize monies across the different categories are meant to appreciate the effort of the runners and motivate them as we grow the sport of running in Uganda” Rev. Prof Muranga stated.

The prize money will be awarded across the 21KM Half Marathon, 10KM Road Race, and 5KM Fun Run/Walk categories, including a dedicated Under-16 Youth Race aimed at nurturing and rewarding emerging talent.

A lion’s share of this money will go to the 21KM runners who will pocket Ug.Shs 72,000,000 in total for the total five across both gender.

Ug.Shs 24,000,000 will be rewarded to the 10KM runners and the rest will be shared among the 5KM recreational runners.

Besides the money for the top runners, there will be a ceremonial medal for everyone who participates as well as a gift hamper.

Held under the theme “Move, Learn and Discover for Nutrition Care,” the Run seeks to raise support for Uganda’s team to the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, promote healthy lifestyles, and champion nutrition awareness through the power of sport.

Registration is ongoing at register.olympictookerun.com. Secure your kit today for only UGX 35,000 and be part of a movement that is transforming lives through sport and nutrition.

His Excellency president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to be the chief guest.

Rev. Professor Florence Muranga Isabirye with some of the athletes who will represent Uganda at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal

The post Olympic Day Tooke Run 2026: Hefty Ug.Shs 120,000,000 prize money kitty unveiled appeared first on Kawowo Sports.

Athletics

Athletics Experts Dissect Stunted Growth of University Sports in Nigeria, Point to Corruption and Poor Infrastructure

Published

1 day ago

June 2, 2026

Bryce Mullins

The recently concluded NCAA Outdoor Athletics Championships once again underscored the strength of the American collegiate sports system, a model widely regarded as one of the world’s most successful talent development pathways.

From record-breaking performances to qualification standards achieved for major international events, Nigerian and African athletes competing in the United States continued to showcase the benefits of combining education with structured sports development.

However, amid the success stories, experts have raised concerns about the state of university sports in Nigeria, arguing that poor administration, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and weak institutional support continue to hinder the growth of student-athletes.

One of the most vocal critics is respected athletics coach Mutiu Oluwa, who believes Nigerian universities have failed to harness the vast potential within tertiary institution sports.

According to him, corruption remains one of the biggest obstacles to progress.

“Our academicians are too fraudulent. They steal at any given opportunity,” Oluwa stated.

He cited the organization of recent Nigerian University Games Association (NUGA) competitions as an example, alleging that facilities were left unfinished despite significant investments.

“The last NUGA was held with uncompleted facilities. Before Jos, it was UNILAG. The contractors are often the same professors, and many university projects end up abandoned,” he claimed.

Oluwa also lamented what he described as a culture that discourages sporting excellence within many public universities.

“Jealousy and resentment are everywhere. Lecturers often envy successful athletes even when they struggle financially. It’s a sad situation,” he said.

His concerns were echoed by Olabanji Oyebusi, Chief Executive Officer of Dynamic Athletics Hub, who argued that meaningful reforms are urgently needed across Nigeria’s education and sports sectors.

“Coach Mutiu speaks from experience as a university coach. Nigeria’s university system requires a comprehensive overhaul,” Oyebusi noted.

Drawing comparisons with institutions in other African countries, he highlighted better student welfare and sports infrastructure in nations such as Ghana and Botswana.

“In Ghana, many university hostels have modern facilities, while sports infrastructure is taken seriously. At the University of Botswana, the campus is located next to the national stadium and also possesses world-class sporting facilities of its own,” he said.

Oyebusi believes the quality of educational environments directly influences national development and sporting success.

“When students study in unconducive environments, many graduate focused solely on escaping poverty rather than contributing to collective growth. Better facilities and support systems would encourage collaboration, innovation, and sporting excellence.”

Veteran sports journalist Ben Efe also emphasized the stark contrast between the American and Nigerian systems.

“School sports is big business in the United States. In Nigeria, we’re yet to fully embrace that reality,” Efe observed.

Despite his criticism, Oluwa pointed to examples of success within Nigeria, recalling periods when institutions such as Obafemi Awolowo University and Ahmadu Bello University maintained strong sporting traditions through scholarships and athlete-support programmes.

He argued that effective management, rather than huge budgets, is often the deciding factor.

“The last NUGA champion won with just 22 scholarship athletes. They travelled by air, competed, and returned. That shows sports management in universities doesn’t have to be complicated,” he said.

Oluwa contrasted this with practices at some public institutions, where large contingents travel to competitions under poor conditions while athletes receive minimal support.

“Some universities take hundreds of students to competitions, lodge them in uncomfortable environments, and pay athletes far less than what is officially approved. Investigative journalism is needed to expose these practices.”

As the NCAA continues to produce world-class athletes and provide opportunities for Nigerians abroad, stakeholders insist that the country must develop a sustainable university sports structure of its own.

They argue that the achievements of Nigerian athletes overseas demonstrate what is possible when talent is nurtured through quality facilities, transparent administration, scholarship opportunities, and genuine institutional commitment.

The challenge for Nigeria now is whether its universities can create similar conditions at home and transform tertiary institutions into genuine centres of sporting and academic excellence.

The post Athletics Experts Dissect Stunted Growth of University Sports in Nigeria, Point to Corruption and Poor Infrastructure first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Athletics Experts Dissect Stunted Growth of University Sports in Nigeria, Point to Corruption and Poor Infrastructure appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Athletics

Grace Oshiokpu Delivers Clutch Season-Best Performance to Secure NCAA Championships Spot

Published

2 days ago

June 1, 2026

Logan Mclaughlin

Nigerian athlete Grace Oshiokpu produced a timely and impressive performance at the NCAA East First Round, booking her place at the NCAA Championships in Eugene with a season-best mark of 13.35 metres.

When qualification was on the line, Oshiokpu rose to the occasion, delivering her best performance of the season at exactly the right moment. The Nigerian showcased both composure and competitive spirit, producing a clutch effort that secured her ticket to one of the most prestigious events in collegiate athletics.

Sports247 reports that Oshiokpu’s 13.35m mark not only guaranteed qualification but also demonstrated her ability to perform under pressure against a highly competitive field. With athletes battling for limited spots at the NCAA Championships, the Nigerian ensured she would be among those advancing to Eugene.

The qualification continues what has been a strong campaign for Oshiokpu, who has steadily built momentum throughout the season. Her latest performance further highlights her consistency and determination as she prepares to compete on the national stage.

For Nigerian athletics, her success adds to the growing list of athletes set to represent the country at the NCAA Championships. Nigerian competitors have enjoyed a remarkable season across various events, with several athletes producing personal bests, national records, and championship-qualifying performances.

What makes Oshiokpu’s achievement particularly noteworthy is the timing of her season best. Athletes often aim to peak when qualification is at stake, and the Nigerian executed that strategy perfectly, delivering her strongest performance when it mattered most.

With qualification secured, attention now shifts to Eugene, where Oshiokpu will compete against some of the finest collegiate athletes in the United States. Her recent form suggests she could be capable of producing even bigger performances as the championships approach.

The confidence gained from achieving a season best in such an important competition could prove invaluable heading into the next stage of the season.

For now, Grace Oshiokpu can celebrate a mission accomplished—a season-best performance, a championship qualification, and the opportunity to shine on one of collegiate athletics’ biggest stages.
Eugene awaits.

The post Grace Oshiokpu Delivers Clutch Season-Best Performance to Secure NCAA Championships Spot first appeared on Sports247 Nigeria.

The post Grace Oshiokpu Delivers Clutch Season-Best Performance to Secure NCAA Championships Spot appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.