BY OJO SAMSON AYOMIDE
Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee of the World Athletics African Running Conference, Chief Solomon Ogba, says Nigeria is on the verge of becoming Africa’s leading destination for road races.
Speaking ahead of the highly anticipated African Running Conference scheduled to hold in Lagos from Feb. 12–13, 2026, the globally respected sports administrator said Nigeria is finally taking its place as a sporting powerhouse, citing the growing feasibility and success of road races in the country.
Ogba said the upcoming conference is a clear testament to the progress made in the organization of world-class marathons in Nigeria.
“We are making significant progress in road races, and the entire world is aware of this. That is why I am very excited about the upcoming Running Conference in Lagos,” Ogba said.
He noted that the conference will bring together leading experts and stakeholders from across the globe.
“It will be a gathering of the best minds in road running, from the world governing body to African authorities and key industry players, all working together to further shape the fast-growing road-running landscape in Nigeria and across Africa,” he said.
As anticipation builds across the continent, Lagos is set to once again become the center of global attention in athletics.
The Running Conference will be followed by the 11th edition of the Platinum Label Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, scheduled for Feb. 14, 2026, a race that has continued to rise in global stature and recognition as one of Africa’s biggest road races.
The conference is focused on promoting long-term sustainability of road races in Africa and fostering the organic development of world-class marathon events across the continent.