Musa Francis James and Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo have been declared the winners of the 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race. The event, which was held in Ogun State, attracted athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and members of the public. Francis James led the men’s field from the start and finished the 10km race in 30:25.33 to claim the $1,000 first prize. The men’s podium was completed by Ilya Raymond, who finished second in 30:38.06, and Gyang Sunday, who finished third in 30:47.00.
The women’s race was won by Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo, who finished in 35:00.69 to win $1,000. Bulus Mary Jah came second in 35:58.71, while Nwantiyi Teyei Davou finished third in 36:03.09. The results reflected the competitive nature of the race, which brought together athletes from different parts of the country. The event was organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited and had the support of the Ogun State Government, sponsors, and partners.
The winners expressed their satisfaction with their performance and praised the organisers for creating an opportunity for athletes to compete. Francis James said he was pleased to see his preparation pay off after crossing the finish line first. Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo also expressed her gratitude to the organisers for putting together a good race and giving athletes like her the platform to compete and challenge themselves.
The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka, and the Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Tunde Delu. The Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, Yetunde Olopade, praised the athletes and participants for their commitment throughout the event. She also thanked the sponsors and partners for their support.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, used the event to highlight the wider opportunities being created for athletes as sporting events continue to grow across Nigeria. He particularly pointed to the equal prize money for the men’s and women’s winners, saying such measures could help promote equality in sport.
The Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare, praised Nilayo Sports Management Limited for staging another road race and commended Abeokuta residents for their support. Dare said the event demonstrated the potential for Nigeria to host high-quality sporting competitions while encouraging participation in sports and healthy living.
The 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race provided an opportunity for residents to participate in fitness activities while highlighting Abeokuta’s potential as a destination for road racing and other sporting events. The event was a success, with athletes and participants praising the organisers for a well-run competition. The podium finishers received their prizes at the end of the event.
Key points
- Musa Francis James won the men’s category of the 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race.
- Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo won the women’s category of the 2026 Abeokuta 10km Race.
- The event was organised by Nilayo Sports Management Limited with the support of the Ogun State Government, sponsors, and partners.
