The ancient city of Abeokuta came alive in the early hours of Saturday, October 3, 2026, as the highly anticipated fifth edition of the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race made a triumphant return. Organized by Africa’s leading sports marketing firm, Nilayo Sports Management Limited (NSML), the event drew over 1,000 runners to the scenic, undulating streets of Ogun State’s capital.
The road race, which made its comeback after the organizers deliberately paused the 2025 edition, attracted top dignitaries, including the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications (and former Sports Minister), Hon. Sunday Dare, alongside the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade.
A Landmark Decision for Nigerian Athletes
In a bold move designed to empower homegrown talent, NSML restricted the 2026 edition exclusively to Nigerian athletes. Despite being a local-only race, the organizers maintained the elite prize purse typically reserved for international competitors.
To promote gender equality in sports, the prize money was levelled across both categories:
- 1st Place : $1,000
- 2nd Place : $750
- 3rd Place : $500
Flagged off at exactly 7:00 AM from Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, the runners navigated the culturally significant routes before crossing the finish line at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena in Kuto, where every finisher was awarded a commemorative medal.
Race and Results
Men’s Category :
- Musa Francis James.– 30:25.33
- Ilya Raymond – 30:38.06
- Gyang Sunday – 30:47.00
Women’s Category :
- Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo – 35:00.69
- Bulus Mary Jah – 35:58.71
- Nwantiyi Teyei Davou.– 36:03.09
During the medal presentation, Hon. Sunday Dare and Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the NSC Director General, were invited to the podium to decorate the outstanding athletes.
Initially slated for September 26, the race was moved to October 3 to accommodate critical logistical arrangements. The Managing Director and CEO of NSML, Mrs. Yetunde Olopade assured stakeholders that the brief adjustment only enhanced the event’s overall quality.
Speaking at the pre-race press conference, Mrs. Olopade expressed profound gratitude to the Ogun State Government for allowing the race to run on its roads, as well as to headline sponsors Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, Aquafina, and 7UP. Race Director Yusuf Alli also noted that extensive logistical and security measures were deployed to guarantee the safety and comfort of all participants.
Hon. Sunday Dare lauded NSML for staging another world-class road race and commended the residents of Abeokuta for their impressive turnout and enduring support for healthy living.
NSC Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade praised the initiative for creating wider opportunities for local athletes, highlighting the equal prize money structure as a vital step toward equity in Nigerian sports.
Other notable figures in attendance included the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka; Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Development, Tunde Delu; former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye; and former State House of Assembly members, Femi Allen Taylor and Idowu Olowofuja.
The thrilling event concluded with a vibrant post-race concert at the finish line, firmly cementing the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race as a premium athletic and cultural celebration that perfectly aligns with the NSC’s drive to deepen grassroots sports.
