The National Sports Commission (NSC), in collaboration with World Athletics, has officially announced the World Athletics Africa Running Conference – Lagos 2026, during a press conference held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja.
The high-profile event brought together key figures in Nigeria’s sports sector, including NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, and World Athletics Head of Road Running, Alessio Punzi. Also in attendance were AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, NOC First Vice-President, Chief Solomon Ogba, and Yusuf Ali, CEO of the Elite Athletes Development and Podium Board.
Speaking at the event, Mallam Shehu Dikko described the upcoming conference as “a milestone achievement in Nigeria’s sports diplomacy and economic vision.” He noted that the initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s sports economy mandate, which seeks to transform sports into a sustainable driver of national development and global recognition.
“This conference represents more than just athletics—it is a statement of intent that Nigeria is ready to host, compete, and lead on the global sports stage,” Dikko said.
In his remarks, Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director-General of the NSC, emphasised that the Africa Running Conference will serve as a springboard for nurturing Nigeria’s long-distance and road-running talent, while strengthening international partnerships within the athletics ecosystem.
“The Lagos 2026 Conference is a unique opportunity to showcase Nigeria’s growing potential in distance running and to further position Lagos as a global marathon destination,” Olopade stated.
World Athletics Head of Road Running, Alessio Punzi, commended Nigeria’s commitment to expanding the sport’s footprint in Africa, highlighting the strategic importance of Lagos as a hub for the continent’s emerging running culture.
The World Athletics Africa Running Conference – Lagos 2026 is expected to convene athletes, coaches, sports scientists, and industry leaders from across the continent to discuss innovations in distance running, sustainability, and talent development.
Organisers say the event will also set the stage for the Lagos City Marathon 2026, anticipated to attract elite runners and major sponsors from around the world, further cementing Nigeria’s status as a key player in the global athletics circuit.
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