Sports

Nigeria’s U-19 Women Stun Scotland in World Cup Warm-Up

Published

1 month ago

January 15, 2025

By Njoku Chijioke

Nigeria’s Under-19 Women’s Cricket team made a bold statement ahead of the ICC U-19 Women’s World Cup, overpowering Scotland by 7 wickets in a dominant warm-up match on Wednesday.

Playing at the Royal Selangor Club, Kuala Lumpur, Nigeria won the toss and opted to field first—a decision that proved decisive.

Spearheaded by pace bowler Lilian Ude (3/15) and spinner Adekunle Adeshola (2/15), Nigeria dismantled Scotland’s batting lineup, bundling them out for 67 runs in just 18.2 overs.

Nigeria’s chase was swift and ruthless.

Captain Piety Lucky led the charge with an explosive 28 off 16 balls, smashing three sixes, while Victory Igbinedion (25 off 41) provided stability. In just 11.3 overs, Nigeria sealed a commanding victory at 64/3.

With this morale-boosting win, Nigeria heads into their World Cup campaign brimming with confidence.

Placed in Group C, they will open against Samoa on Saturday, followed by clashes with New Zealand (Jan 20) and South Africa (Jan 22).

The 16-nation tournament, running until February 2, marks Nigeria’s debut on the global stage—and they’ve already shown they mean business.

Sports

Kenya, Ethiopia Win 2025 Lagos City Marathon

Published

1 day ago

February 15, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Adenike Lawal

Kenyan runner Edwin Kibet and Ethiopian athlete Guta Meseret Hirpa dominated the 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, reaffirming East Africa’s stronghold on the prestigious race.

Kibet clinched his second Lagos marathon title in the men’s category, finishing in 2:14:06 to claim the $50,000 prize.

In the women’s division, Hirpa secured her first victory, crossing the finish line in 2:37:04.

Nigerian runner Nyango Gyang Boyi made history as the top local finisher, placing eighth overall with a time of 2:25:41.58.

His performance earned him $4,000 and N2 million as the highest-placed Nigerian competitor.

The race, which started at Western Avenue in Surulere and ended at Eko Atlantic City, saw participation from Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and thousands of other runners.

Now a World Athletics Gold Label event, the marathon continues to gain global prominence.

Sports

Lagos Marathon: No Nigerian Winner Since 2016

Published

1 day ago

February 15, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Abdulkareem Adeyemi

Kenyan and Ethiopian athletes have dominated the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon since its inception in 2016, with no Nigerian securing a victory in the prestigious Gold Label race.

Kenyan runners have won eight times, while Ethiopian athletes claimed the title in 2019 and 2022.

The fastest recorded time remains 2 hours, 10 minutes, set by Kenya’s David Barmasai in 2020.

Despite strong participation from Nigerian runners, East Africans continue to reign supreme in the annual 42 km race.

Sports

Kenya, Ethiopia Dominate 2025 Lagos City Marathon

Published

2 days ago

February 15, 2025

Samson Adeyanju

By Ifeoluwa Odunayo

Kenya’s Edwin Kibet and Ethiopia’s Guta Meseret Hirpa clinched victory at the 2025 Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, reaffirming East Africa’s dominance in the event.

Kibet secured the men’s title in 2:14:06, winning $50,000—his second triumph after a 2023 victory.

Hirpa claimed her first title in the women’s category with a time of 2:37:04.

Nigeria’s Nyango Gyang Boyi made history as the first local runner to finish in the top 10, placing 8th with 2:25:41.58 and earning a total of $4,000 and N2 million.

The gold-label marathon attracted thousands of participants, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.