Nigeria’s foremost marathon and road races club, High Altitude Athletics Club of Jos, Plateau State, is sending a formidable team of elite runners to the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, scheduled for Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Stephen Nuhu, the club manager and coach, announced that over 30 runners will arrive in Abuja on Wednesday, February 26. The athletes competing in the half marathon include Sati Musa Bala, Mathias Nenfort Gofwen, Mandela Banki, Geofrey Koptin Gomam, John Dauda, Elisha Friday, Shaba Dare Eniola, Yohanna Friday, Gwet Tokbe Christopher, Shambor Blessing Solomon, Agofure Charity, Akusho Lydia Thomas, Danjuma Agnes, and Mathew Nancy.
Nuhu emphasized the club’s ambition to secure victories in both the men’s and women’s titles, as well as the 5km family race. “We have some very good young runners who have what it takes to win the 5km. Our challenge is the 21km race, but we are determined to beat the teams from other ECOWAS nations, especially Ghana, Senegal, and others who we are reliably informed are sending strong teams,” he said.
Nuhu also commended the ECOWAS Commission for increasing the prize money and ensuring prompt payment. “When it comes to prompt payment of prize money, the ECOWAS Commission is number one. They will never tell you stories; you get your money once technical officials have certified you as the winner,” he added.
In addition, the Ghanaian Athletics Association and the Ghana Army are sending a strong team to the 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon. The Ghanaian team is ready to compete with 20 men and women runners, aiming to win prizes in both the men’s and women’s categories.
Meanwhile, Gabriel Okon, the Race Director, has urged registered runners to collect their running numbers, vests, certificates, participants’ guides, and other materials at the VIO Office, Federal Secretariat Car Park, Eagles Square, Abuja. “We are there from 9 am to 5 pm daily. Registered runners and those intending to register are welcome to fill out the form for free and collect their kits immediately,” he said.