James, Akanbi Triumph As Nigerian Runners Dominate Abeokuta 10km Race

Musa Francis James and Akanbi Aderonke Olufunmilayo emerged as the men’s and women’s champions respectively at the 2026 Great Abeokuta 10KM Race on Saturday, as the fifth edition of the road race returned with an all-Nigerian field.

More than 1,000 runners took to the streets of Abeokuta for the race, which started at 7am from Macjob Grammar School, Onikolobo, and finished at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto.

James claimed the men’s title in 30:25.33, finishing ahead of Ilya Raymond, who clocked 30:38.06, while Gyang Sunday completed the podium in 30:47.00.

Akanbi dominated the women’s race, crossing the finish line in 35:00.69 to take the top prize. Bulus Mary Jah finished second in 35:58.71, while Nwantiyi Teyei Davou placed third in 36:03.09.

The 2026 edition marked the return of the Great Abeokuta 10KM Race after organisers skipped last year’s event.

In a departure from previous editions, this year’s race was restricted exclusively to Nigerian athletes as part of an effort to provide greater opportunities for domestic runners.

Despite the decision to limit participation to Nigerians, the organisers retained the elite prize purse traditionally offered to international competitors. The overall winners in both the men’s and women’s categories received $1,000, while the runners-up earned $750 and $500 respectively.

All finishers also received commemorative medals.

The race attracted several sports personalities and administrators, including former Minister of Youth and Sports Development and Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, and National Sports Commission Director General Bukola Olopade.

Dare and Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the NSC Director General, took part in the medal presentation for some of the leading athletes.

Speaking at the event, Olopade commended the organisers for maintaining equal prize money for male and female athletes, describing the approach as an important step towards promoting equality in sport.

The race also provided an opportunity for Nigerian athletes to compete for significant prize money on home soil while showcasing the depth of road-running talent available in the country.

The event was initially scheduled for September 26 but was moved to October 3. Nilayo Sports Management Limited Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Yetunde Olopade, said the change was necessitated by logistical and scheduling considerations.

Race Director Yusuf Alli said arrangements had been made to ensure the safety and smooth participation of the runners along the route, which took participants through Abeokuta’s undulating streets before the finish at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena.

At a pre-race press conference, Yetunde Olopade acknowledged the support of the Ogun State Government and other partners, while noting the importance of staging the event on the state’s roads.

Dare also commended Nilayo Sports Management Limited for organising the race and praised residents of Abeokuta for turning out to support the athletes.

The race formed part of wider efforts to promote athletics, grassroots sports participation and healthy living.

Among the dignitaries at the event were Ogun State Commissioner for Sports Development, Wasiu Isiaka; Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor on Youth Development, Tunde Delu; former Commissioner for Women Affairs, Adijat Motunrayo Adeleye; and former members of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Femi Allen Taylor and Idowu Olowofuja.

The event concluded with a post-race concert at the finish-line area.