Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has declared Enugu City International Marathon as an annual event to aimed at harnessing the skills of the youths.

The state governor, who kicked off the 42 kilometre race with a gun sound at exactly 6.30am, emphasized the significance of the event, saying over 100 international athletes from around the world participated.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the marathon which began from Mgbemena area of the state passed through Coal Camp Road, Independence Layout, Zik Avenue, Okpara Square, Presidential and NTA Roads, Market Square and Ebe Ano Tunnel Road.

Mbah also participated in the 10 kilometre race which kicked off at exactly 9:30am.

In the male and female categories, Kenyans took the first positions with the prize sum of $15,000 each, first runners up from Ethiopia, were given $10,000 each, 3rd positions smiled home with $5,000 each while other and consolation prizes were given to other athletes.

The governor expressed his profound joy for its success, noting that the race was ran alongside Nigeria’s top distance runners, making it the largest road race ever staged in southeastern Nigeria.

He added that the state hosted the marathon to make Enugu State a sporting hub for global competitions and activities

This, he said, would showcase the richness of the state and its hospitable disposition to the entire world and attracting over 3 million tourists into Enugu.

According to him, making the marathon an annual event will drive tourism, stimulate local businesses, and create lasting economic benefits as Enugu is open for tourism, investment, and world-class sporting events.

The event attracted the likes of former presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, an legendary movie actor, Nkem Owo popularly known as Osuofia, among others.

The marathon featured live entertainment, including a performance by popular Nigerian artiste Kcee, transforming the event into a full-scale celebration of sport, music, and entertainment

The 2025 edition of the Chief Margaret Icheen Benue State Football League kicks off on Sunday in Makurdi.

Icheen, a board member of the Nigerian Football Federation, who performed the ceremonial kick-off at the Benue State University Sports Arena, commended the Benue Football Association (BFA) for naming the league after her.

The former speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly said that she was happy to witness another opening ceremony of the state league.

She said that such tournaments were beyond just playing football, but were meant to discover talents, who can build up the system of football.“Because of the many talents that we have in this state, we need to have more than one team representing the state.

“I want to ask the participants to take this tournament very seriously so that they can achieve something meaningful afterward.

“I urged the referees to ensure that this tournament goes on successfully to the end,” she urged.

The Chairman of the Benue Football Association, Paul Edeh, said the momentum of this year’s league would be far better than the previous years because of the number of teams participating in the league.

Edeh said that more than 40 teams have registered to participate in the league, which shows the BFA’s commitment to growing football at the grassroots level.“We will be sustaining the tournament by increasing the prize money. The winner goes home with half a million naira; the runner-up gets ₦300,000, while third place will be rewarded with N200,000.

“In addition, the eight teams that would qualify for the Super Eight will go home with a brand new set of jerseys and a minimum of five balls.“All the coaches that finished in the first four would get automatic scholarships to study at the National Institute for Sports in Abuja.“Our belief is that when we sustain coaches training, we will be able to discover talents that we need in the state,” he said.

The Permanent Secretary, Benue State Ministry of Sports Development, Philip Nongu, lauded the organisers of the league.Nongu pledged the ministry’s support for the success of the league and other sporting activities in the state.Report says that Unity Football Academy defeated Sulash Football Academy, 6-1, in the opener fixture of the league.

The winners took the lead in the first minute of the encounter, but the opponent equalised halfway into the first 45 minutes.Unity FA, however, restored their lead a few minutes before the end of the first half through a penalty.

The Match Day One winners doubled their lead a few minutes into the second half through another penalty before putting the match beyond the reach of Sulash by scoring three more goals. (NAN)

 by Muhyideen Jimoh

Liverpool clinched the Premier League title in style as they came from behind to thrash Tottenham 5-1 at Anfield.

First-half strikes from Luis Diaz, Alexis Mac Allister and Cody Gakpo all but wrapped up a record-equalling 20th top-flight title.

This was before Mohammed Salah’s 28th goal of a prolific campaign and a Destiny Udogie own goal made the scoreline emphatic.

Spurs briefly threatened to spoil a party that began hours before kick-off by taking an early lead through former Liverpool striker Dominic Solanke but the Londoners put up little resistance as the Reds clicked into gear.

The title, secured with four games to spare, is only the Merseysiders’ second in 35 years.

It is also the first in that period they have been permitted to celebrate in front of fans after their 2020 success came during the COVID-19 pandemic