The 2025 ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, slated for Saturday, March 1st, is poised to witness a thrilling clash between Nigeria’s High Altitude Athletics Club of Jos and a formidable contingent from Ghana. Both teams have finalized their preparations and are eager to assert their dominance in the regional competition. The Jos-based club, renowned for its high-altitude training regimen, has dispatched over 30 elite runners to the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, aiming to conquer the half marathon and 5km family race categories. Coach Stephen Nuhu exudes confidence in his team’s prowess, particularly in the shorter 5km race, while acknowledging the stiff competition expected in the 21km half marathon event from their Ghanaian rivals and other ECOWAS nations. This anticipated rivalry injects an added layer of excitement into the upcoming race, as both countries vie for regional athletic supremacy.
The High Altitude Athletics Club of Jos boasts a diverse roster of talented runners, including established names like Sati Musa Bala, Mathias Nenfort Gofwen, Mandela Banki, and Geofrey Koptin Gomam, among others. These athletes have honed their skills in the challenging terrain of Jos, known for its high altitude and demanding training conditions. Their experience and preparation offer a significant advantage, making them strong contenders in the half marathon. Additionally, the club’s contingent includes a promising group of young runners eager to make their mark in the 5km race, further solidifying the team’s overall strength and depth. The club’s strategic approach, combining experienced veterans with emerging talents, underlines their commitment to achieving a dominant performance across multiple race categories.
On the other hand, the Ghanaian Athletics Association, partnering with the Ghana Army, is sending a 20-member squad of both male and female runners to Abuja. Their singular objective is to seize the top prizes in both the men’s and women’s categories, setting the stage for an intense face-off with the Nigerian athletes. This collaborative effort between the athletic association and the military highlights the seriousness with which Ghana approaches the competition, underscoring their determination to challenge Nigeria’s dominance in regional athletics. The Ghanaian team’s focused approach, coupled with their military-backed training, promises a fierce battle for the podium finishes.
The burgeoning rivalry between Nigerian and Ghanaian athletes adds a compelling narrative to the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon. This rivalry stems from a history of close competition in various regional athletic events, with both countries boasting a rich tradition of producing talented runners. The upcoming marathon provides another platform for these two West African powerhouses to showcase their athletic prowess and settle the score on the regional stage. The athletes from both nations have expressed a strong desire to outperform each other, adding a layer of national pride to the competitive spirit of the event.
Adding to the appeal of the event is the increased prize money offered by the ECOWAS Commission and its guaranteed prompt payment to winners, a factor that coach Stephen Nuhu believes will significantly motivate the athletes. He praised the commission’s reliability in disbursing prize money, contrasting it with other competitions where payment delays are often a concern. This commitment to timely payment underscores the value placed on the athletes’ participation and achievements, creating a more professional and rewarding environment for them to compete. The increased prize money not only incentivizes the athletes but also elevates the prestige of the ECOWAS Abuja International Marathon, attracting a higher caliber of competition.
Finally, Race Director Gabriel Okon has urged all registered participants to collect their race essentials, including running numbers, vests, certificates, and participant guides, at the designated collection point at the VIO Office in Abuja. This pre-race logistical arrangement aims to streamline the registration process and ensure a smooth race day experience for all participants. The collection point operates daily, allowing runners ample opportunity to retrieve their materials and prepare for the marathon. This proactive approach by the organizers emphasizes their commitment to providing a well-organized and efficient event, catering to the needs of all participants.
