…Mbah promises continuous improvement, world-class standard

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Saturday, participated in the 1st Enugu City International Marathon, completing the 10km road race in 45 minutes, while East African athletes cleared the first, second, and third positions in the elite 42km full marathon.

The event, which was supervised by the World Athletics represented by Nadeem Khan, who is also the President of International Ultra Runners; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria led by its President, Chief Tony Okowa and the 1st Vice President, Nigerian Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, drew participants from Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Nigerians, who trooped out in their numbers to compete for the prizes.

In the female elite category, Shaoline Chepriroi of Kenya finished in 2:44:37 (Two hours, forty-four minutes, thirty-seven seconds) to clinch the premium prize of $15,000, Tilahu Birul of Ethiopia finished in 2:45:10 (Two hours, forty-five minutes, 10 seconds) to place second and walk away with $10,000 prize money, while Rita Busiengy of finished in 2:47:17 (Two hours, 48 minutes, seventeen seconds) to finish third, earning her $5,000.

Gov Peter Mbah doing the marathon race in Enugu Saturday morning

Nigeria’s Blessing Shambo completed the 42 kilometres in 2:48:04 (Two hours, forty-eight minutes, four seconds) to finish fourth and place first among Nigerian female elite runners and went home with N1 million, while Charity Agofure and Elizabeth Pam finished in 2:55:03 (Two hours, fifty-five minutes, three seconds) and 3:01:45 (Three hours, one minute, forty-five seconds) to clinch the second and third prices, respectively, in the Nigerian elite runners category. Agofure and Pam got N750,000 and N500,000, accordingly, for their efforts.

In the men’s category, Ken Kopos of Kenya, ran the 42km in 2:22:32 (Two hours, twenty-two minutes, thirty-two seconds) to claim the star prize of $15,000, while his compatriots, Steve Baswey and Bernard Sang placed second and third, respectively, to earn themselves $10,000 and $5,000, accordingly.

Davou Gyang finished in 2:29:03 (Two hours, twenty-nine minutes, three seconds) to emerge Nigeria’s best in the elite category, beating compatriot Boyi Nyango with just three seconds, while Iliya Pam placed third. They got cash prizes of N1 million, N750,000, and N500,000, respectively.

Lydia Akusho, Esther Afigbo, and Mwantiti Davou came first, second, and third, respectively in the women’s category of the 10km Road Race, while Francis James, Iliya Raymond, and Boyi Gang placed first, second, and third, respectively, in the male category.

While congratulating the winners and participants, Mbah assured of continued improvement of the sporting event, noting that Enugu City International Marathon was in line with his administration’s vision to position Enugu State as the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and for living.

“What we have just witnessed is a spectacular event. It is a testament to the power of sports. Remember that I told you all that participated in our last year’s Enugu City Half Marathon that we are going to make the Enugu City International Marathon, an international event. Have we not done that?

“The International Marathon attracted elite runners across Africa. We have long distance runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea. Next year, we are going to attract elite runners from across the world, not just Africa. Our objective is to make the Enugu City International Marathon a major highlight in the calendar of the World Athletic. The world will be watching.

“Meanwhile, what you are witnessing is not a happenstance. It is connecting the dots. When we said that we were going to attract three million visitors every year and make Enugu state the premier destination for tourism, these are all part of the dots. Sports, for us, is beyond recreation. It is a serious business.

“We are going to make sure that through our sporting event, we are going to nurture talents, dreams will be born, goals will be achieved, and talents will blossom. We will be able to attract a lot of businesses. That means our business will thrive. People will come to Enugu and they will spend their money,” Mbah stated

He commended and thanked the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu and his team as well as the consultants led by Yetunde Olopade, who is the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, as well as the security agencies, among others for putting up a great show.

Meanwhile, the flag-off was also witnessed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and former governor of Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, while the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, federal and state lawmakers, as well as commissioners and other officials of the state government came out in their numbers to participate.

…As Rangers, SWAN Commiserate with deceased familyg

Enugu State Government says it will immortalise Late Football Legend, Christian Chukwu.

This was disclosed by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barrister Lloyd Ikechukwu Ekweremadu while commiserating with family of late Chairman Christian Chukwu on Sunday at Trans- Ekulu, Enugu.

Chukwu, Captain and Coach of Rangers International Football and then Green Eagles of Nigeria, passed on Saturday, April 12.

According to the Sports Commissioner, “Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has directed that a Committee should be set- up to Immortalise Chairman Christian Chukwu for making Igbo proud after the traumatic civil war and for bringing glory to Nigeria.”

He noted that the late football legend left a big gap that will be difficult to fill.

He inspired a lot of us through his service to Nigeria and his unmatched humility. The sports family is in deep mourning”, he added.

Also in his speech, the General Manager of Rangers Management Corporation, Barrister Amobi Ezeaku, noted that he worked with Christian Chukwu as Team Manager, while the late administrator was General Manager of Rangers Management Corporation and found him unassuming, humble forthright and as a father, whose fountain of knowledge helped him even after leaving office as General Manager.

“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah asked that we keep in touch with old Rangers players. We have been doing that.We have been celebrating Christian Chukwu while he was alive, at Rangers Office his image is engraved on the wall. We will keep celebrating him even in death” he said.

“Not long ago we came to see him, we discussed his health challenge that day he told us he was going to hospital and we left.

“At Rangers we will do our best to Immortalise him” he stated.

Similarly, Enugu Rangers International Football Club has said, “We deeply mourn the passing of our legendary captain, coach, and administrator, Chairman Christian Chukwu (MFR).

A statement signed by Media Officer of the Rangers International club, Norbert Okolie, made available to Daily News Nigeria on Sunday, stated, “Following the sad news, His Excellency, the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has directed that a condolence register be opened at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu and all Enugu State Liaison Offices across the country, in honor of the late icon.

Speaking on behalf of Rangers International FC, the CEO, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku, said:

“This is a devastating loss, not only for Rangers but for the entire football family. Chairman Christian Chukwu was a towering figure, a symbol of resilience, excellence, and leadership. The name ‘Chairman’ became synonymous with his commanding presence both on and off the pitch, a title first bestowed upon him by the legendary broadcaster Ernest Okonkwo and embraced by generations ever since.”

“Chairman Chukwu’s legacy is forever etched in the story of Rangers and Nigerian football. As the captain of our golden generation, he led Rangers to several domestic and continental triumphs, and Nigeria to her first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980. He later served Nigeria as a coach, guiding the Super Eagles to a bronze medal finish at the 2004 AFCON, coached Kenya’s national team, and handled several clubs in Nigeria.”

“Beyond his accomplishments, Chairman was humility personified. His passion for the growth of Nigerian football remained unwavering till his final days. He was always ready to offer wise counsel, driven by love for the game and the country. We are committed to honoring his extraordinary legacy and ensuring that the dream he lived for — a strong, united Rangers and a thriving Nigerian football — is sustained.”

Former teammates, colleagues, and players remember Chairman Chukwu as a leader, mentor, and icon whose impact transcended generations. From his days captaining Rangers and the national team, to his time coaching and managing Rangers, Chairman Chukwu lived a life of service, dedication, and excellence.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, the football community, and all who were touched by his greatness.
Details of tributes and memorials in his honor will be announced in due course.

“May his noble soul rest in perfect peace.

Earlier, the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Enugu State Chapter stated that it has extended its deepest condolences on the passing on of Christian Chukwu, referring to him, as a true legend of Nigerian football and a towering figure in the history of African sports.

A statement signed by Gideon Iwueke of Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) and Chairman, Enugu State SWAN, reads:

“Christian Chukwu who died on Saturday @74, was not just a celebrated player and coach, he was a symbol of excellence, discipline, and national pride.

“As the captain of the Green Eagles, he led Nigeria to its first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1980, a moment that forever changed the trajectory of Nigerian football. His leadership on the field was matched only by his humility and wisdom off it.

“As a coach, he continued to serve the nation with distinction, nurturing talent, inspiring countless young players, and contributing immensely to the growth of the game at all levels”.

“His calm demeanor, strategic mind, and unshakable commitment to the sport earned him the respect of fans, players, and colleagues alike; Beyond the pitch, Christian Chukwu was a unifying force, a man whose life embodied the spirit of teamwork, perseverance, and love for country. His legacy will live on in the annals of sports history and in the hearts of all who knew and admired him”.

“We, the sports writing community, feel a profound sense of loss. His passing leaves a void that will not easily be filled. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and the entire football fraternity during this time of grief”.

May his soul rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations to come”, the statement said.