By Modupe Gbadeyanka

This year’s Access Bank Lagos City Marathon will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, and a statement from the organisers disclosed that all is set for the prestigious event.

For athletes, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon serves as a gateway to global opportunity. Nigerian runners gain increased visibility and competitive credibility, while the presence of elite international athletes raises performance standards and enhances professional recognition.

With proper race certification and organisation, athletes’ achievements carry global relevance. Access Bank’s international presence further supports cross-border participation, creating a two-way exchange where local talent gains exposure and international runners experience Nigerian culture firsthand.

Since its inception, the marathon has evolved from a bold vision into a globally recognised annual sporting event. Over the years, the participation level has grown significantly, organisational standards have strengthened, and the race has earned increasing international credibility.

Central to this progress has been Access Bank’s consistent, long-term sponsorship, focused not on short-term promotion, but on building a professional, safe, and world-class sporting platform.

The event maintains its status as one of Africa’s leading road races and exemplifies the impact of sustained collaboration, unified objectives, and civic engagement in advancing the interests of the city and its residents.

By consistently investing in logistics, safety, and effective operations, this partnership has elevated the marathon from simply a sports event to a cultural and civic milestone for Lagos. The expansion of the marathon demonstrates how ongoing dedication and teamwork can make a significant difference.

Beyond competition, the marathon has played a notable role in shaping Lagos’ culture and global perception. It has encouraged a stronger fitness and wellness culture among residents, normalising jogging, walking, and group training as everyday lifestyle habits. The race day also fosters community spirit, with thousands of volunteers, spectators, and residents coming together to support participants.

Internationally, the event has positioned Lagos as a city capable of hosting large-scale, world-class events, helping to shift perceptions towards vibrancy, organisation, and cultural energy. In doing so, the marathon has helped Lagos see itself, and be seen, as a city of movement, resilience, and possibility.

Volunteerism and civic participation remain integral, strengthening social cohesion and community pride. Ultimately, its success is measured not just in kilometres run, but in communities strengthened and lives positively influenced.

Environmental responsibility has also become an important focus of the event. Structured waste management and post-race clean-up initiatives are implemented along race routes, with increasing emphasis on responsible disposal and recycling awareness. Through collaboration with volunteers and local groups, the marathon demonstrates that large-scale events can balance excitement with environmental care, proving that celebration and responsibility can co-exist when sustainability is treated as a shared duty.

As Lagos looks forward to the race day on February 14, it is worth recognising Access Bank’s pivotal role in powering the Lagos City Marathon year after year. Through its sustained sponsorship, Access Bank has demonstrated outstanding commitment not only to the sporting event but also to the city's growth and global connections.

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By Adedapo Adesanya

The manager of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club, Thomas Frank, has been fired after only eight months in charge, with his team just five points above the relegation zone in the Premier League.

Despite leading Spurs to the round of 16 in the Champions League, Frank has overseen a despicable domestic campaign with no wins recorded so far in 2026.

The decision to part ways with the Denmark-born manager on Wednesday followed a 2-1 loss at home to Newcastle on Tuesday night.

Under the Dane, Spurs finished fourth in the Champions League league phase as they advanced to the last-16 stage.

Frank joined Tottenham last summer, signing a three-year contract to replace the sacked Ange Postecoglou.

Under Postecoglou last season, Tottenham Hotspur recorded their worst Premier League campaign, finishing 17th with 38 points, having lost 22 of their 38 games. They did, though, qualify for the Champions League after winning the Europa League over Manchester United for their first trophy since the then-Carling Cup win over Chelsea in 2008.

The arrival of Frank, however, saw a small sliver of hope before it turned worse, with Spurs winning only six of their opening 16 league games. They suffered successive top-flight defeats in November, losing 4-1 to rivals Arsenal and 2-1 to Fulham.

Spurs began 2026 with draws against Brentford and Sunderland before losing to Bournemouth, getting knocked out of the FA Cup by Aston Villa and a defeat against West Ham United. Frank was jeered by supporters after each result.

Frank’s side rallied to secure successive 2-2 draws against Burnley and Manchester City in the Premier League, either side of Champions League victories, but a two-goal loss at Manchester United and defeat to Newcastle continued their winless run.

The club will be looking for a new manager ahead of its next set of games in the Premier League and in the Champions League.