James, Akanbi Emerge Winners of 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race

Posted : 04 October 2026

Musa Francis James and Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo emerged winners of the 2026 Great Abeokuta 10KM Race on Saturday.

James claimed the men's title in 30:25.33, while Akanbi won the women's category in 35:00.69 at the fifth edition of the race.

The race, organised by Nilayo Sports Management Ltd., attracted more than 1,000 participants and was restricted exclusively to Nigerian athletes.

Ilya Raymond finished second in the men's category in 30:38.06, while Gyang Sunday placed third in 30:47.00.

In the women's category, Bulus Mary Jah finished second in 35:58.71, while Nwantiyi Teyei Davou placed third in 36:03.09.

The race commenced at exactly 7 a.m. from Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, and passed through several streets in Abeokuta.

The runners eventually finished at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto, following the challenging and undulating Abeokuta route.

The 2026 edition marked the return of the race after organisers skipped the 2025 edition.

The race was initially scheduled for Sept. 26 but was moved to Oct. 3 due to arrangements that organisers said could not be overlooked.

Mrs. Yetunde Olopade, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Nilayo Sports Management Ltd., said the change would not affect the quality of the event.

She said the organisers were pleased with the outcome and commended the athletes for their commitment throughout the competition.

Olopade said Nilayo would continue to uphold the standard and quality associated with the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race.

In a landmark decision, the 2026 edition was exclusively contested by Nigerian athletes as part of efforts to celebrate and empower local athletes.

Despite the restriction, the organisers retained the elite prize purse traditionally offered when international athletes participated.

The overall winners in the men's and women's categories received 1,000 dollars each.

The first and second runners-up received 750 dollars and 500 dollars, respectively, while all finishers received commemorative medals.

Sunday Dare, former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, presented medals to some outstanding athletes.

Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the Director General of the National Sports Commission, also presented a medal during the ceremony.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, commended the organisers for creating opportunities for Nigerian athletes.

Olopade particularly praised the equal prize money for male and female winners, describing it as a measure that promoted equality in sports.

Dare also commended Nilayo Sports Management Ltd. for staging another quality road race.

He praised Abeokuta residents for their impressive turnout and support for sports, healthy living and the event.

At a pre-race press conference, Yetunde Olopade appreciated the Ogun Government and sponsors for supporting the competition.

She specifically acknowledged Phlo, Bet9ja Foundation, Aquafina and 7UP for their contributions toward the successful staging of the race.

Olopade said the support of the Ogun Government remained important because the race was conducted on roads across the state.

Yusuf Alli, Race Director, said adequate logistics had been put in place to ensure the safety and comfort of participants.

He also said the arrangements were designed to guarantee the smooth participation of runners throughout the race.

The event attracted several dignitaries, including Wasiu Isiaka, Ogun Commissioner for Sports Development.

Others were Tunde Delu, Special Adviser to the Ogun Governor on Youth Development, and Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye, former Commissioner for Women Affairs.

Former members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Femi Allen Taylor and Idowu Olowofuja, also attended the event.

The race ended with a post-race concert at the finish-line area, adding a cultural dimension to the athletics event.

The organisers said the race remained part of efforts to promote grassroots sports, empower Nigerian athletes and encourage healthy living.

James, Akanbi Emerge Winners of 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race

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