The first Nigerian to cross the finish line of this year’s edition of Premium Trust Bank Half-marathon in Abuja, Shehu Adamu Muazu, has declared that he is determined to win it in 2026, Sports247 reports.
While heaping praises on Nilayo Sports Promotions Limited for organising a remarkable competition on Saturday, Muazu said he was already looking forward to the next edition, which he believes will be his time to eventually win it.
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He pointed out that emerging fourth overall this year and as the first of all the Nigerian competitors, among whom he was fourth in the 2024 edition, is an indication that he is getting better with each passing day.
Muazu, who works with the Public Complaints Commission, added in an exclusive interview with Sports247: “My target is to win this race next year. That’s my target, because I’ve been improving after each edition.”
After dedicating his prize to the ‘Nigerian Ombudsnan,’ Muazu revealed the strategy that helped him perform better in this year’s race, as he cited his ability to take some time out and recharge himself after competing in the National Sports Festival.
He added, “This is my first outing after the National Sports Festival. I took a short rest to refresh myself, after which I then prepared myself.
“I focused fully on daily training so that I would come here to do better. I did not win, but I know I can do it. God answers my prayers, and I know He will still help me.”
He then expressed appreciation to the race organisers and sponsor for providing a platform through which youths from various parts of Nigeria could come together to engage in a healthy competition, instead of engaging in juvenile delinquencies.
“I am saying kudos to the organisers of this half-marathon. For an organisation to do this means they are great. Honestly, they are doing a wonderful job.
“It’s also good that most of the people gathered here are youths. It means that this competition helps them stay out of social vices.
“It also helps them participate in something that can make them self-reliant. So, I’m saying a big congratulations to the organisers,” Muazu stressed.
He concluded with a charge to the organisers and sponsor to keep the competition alive, as he believes they are also creating a readily available focal point where Nigeria’s future representatives in long distance international races can be spotted.
“I want them to do more of this. Let them engage more youths from all across Nigeria, so that they can fish out talents who can represent the country.
“They will continue to provide runners who can represent the country in Olympics, World Championship, Commonwealth Games and Africa Games.
“Once we have competitions like this to participate in regularly, we will fish talents out and Nigeria will do well internationally,” Muazu projected.
