Nigerian athletes to battle for over N11m at ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon

Nigerian elite runners will be chasing over 11 million at the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, slated for December 16, 2023.

The race, featuring a half-marathon and a 5km road race, offers enticing cash prizes for top finishers, with the half-marathon winner taking home a staggering $10,000.

Leading the charge of Nigerian athletes hoping to outshine their counterparts from across the sub-region is the trio of Mu'azu Adamu Shehu, Gyang Emmanuel, and Ismail Sadjo.

Adam Shehu, Gyang, and Sadjo are among the cream of Nigeria's elite runners, and they are all eager to pocket the $10,000 top prize up for grabs in the men's half marathon category.

Adamu Shehu, affectionately known as Shagari, has triumphed in several road events in Nigeria, including the Lagos City Marathon, where he placed first among local runners in the 2022 competition.

In addition, Gyang has shown his mettle by winning the current Nigerian championship and turning in strong results at the Lagos City Marathon and Okepepe 10km competition.

After winning the Warri Effurun Peace Marathon, Sadjo aims to round off the year strong by winning the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon.

It is expected that Okot Friday, Joshua Dalyop Stephen, Pam James Paul, Auta Monday Jigak, and Yohanna Friday, among others, will also ruffle feathers at the December 16 race.