Sports
Allianz is calling all runners in Africa to r World Run for health and for good
- The run encourages health, well-being and an unbeatable team-spirit. Based on the running and walking efforts during the 90 days from July to October
- Allianz will support five SOS Children‘s Villages across the world. In Africa, runners will be running for SOS Children’s Village in Chad, which will change the lives of almost 2000 people
- The Allianz World Run has raised 1.1 million euros over the past two years and assisted 22 SOS Children’s Villages around the world. Villages in Mali, Mozambique, Niger, South Sudan, Somalia and Ivory Coast were among the beneficiaries.
Allianz is calling on running and walking enthusiasts from all sectors of society in Africa to join the third Allianz World Run, the biggest global running event, which will commenced yesterday and end on October 24, 2018.
The initiative promotes health, well-being and an unbeatable team-spirit and raises funds for SOS Children‘s Villages.
Runtastic, a global fitness platform, will provide technical infrastructure for the competition through their in-depth running knowledge and a huge community of 240 million app downloads and 130 million registered users. The Allianz World Run will comprise of five global teams, namely Africa, Asia-Pacific, Europe, North America and South America. These teams will represent one dedicated SOS Children‘s Village and one specific project related to the overall social responsibility framework of “Improving Future Generations”.
Thusang Mahlangu, Allianz Global Corporate Specialty (AGCS) Africa CEO, comments: “By utilizing the global power of running while tracking and sharing progress for 90 days in a creative and engaging way, the Allianz World Run has become one of the most powerful engagement activities ever.
More than 20,000 Allianz employees across all functions and management levels participated and provided some really impressive milestones during 180 days of running in the last two years. This year we are calling on all walking and running enthusiasts across the continent to join us in running the Allianz World running for health, fitness and for good.”
“We have been delighted in previous years to see so many runners, ranging from novices to veteran marathoners, joining the Allianz World Run,” says Norbert Meder, CEO at SOS Children’s Villages International. “We provide 87,000 children and young people in 135 countries with a safe place to call home and strengthen the families of half a million more. Having a global partner like Allianz helps to make our work possible.”
Based on the running efforts during the 90 days, Allianz will support five SOS Children‘s Villages across the world – one specific village and topic per team. With more than 580,000 displaced people, the situation for refugees in Chad remains extremely challenging especially for children, who are forced to leave camps and sites to seek livelihoods and access to food, forcing them in turn to adopt negative coping strategies such as begging and survival sex.
That’s why the African team will be running for SOS Children’s Village in Chad, which will provide an emergency programme to reach close to 2000 vulnerable people including children in the refugee camp of Amboko in the Gore region bordering Central African Republic.
The programme will provide a child friendly space to ensure children have access to psycho social support in a safe and secure environment as well as access to formal education.
The more you run the more children are assisted through donations from Allianz to SOS Children’s Villages. For example, 1,890 children can get supported if every team runner covers 150km. The Allianz World Run raised 1.1 million euros over the past two years and assisted 22 SOS Children’s Villages in Mali, Mozambique, Niger, South Sudan, Somalia and Ivory Coast over the same period.
“We still hold the world record for the ‘longest cumulated distance run by one team in 90 days’ and could even increase the average distance per participant – an integral part of the record from 111.75km to 134.19km. The record has been approved by the Records Institute of Germany, an institution that specializes in examining top performances of various kinds and approving records all over the world. The more records we break, the more we enable SOS Children’s Villages to break barriers of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect,” adds Mahlangu.
Follow the five steps below to join the Allianz World Run and explore with us:
- Visit www.allianzworldrun.com on July 26 from 12:00 Central European Time and click on the “Join now” button.
- Register for the Allianz World Run 2018 by choosing their continental team
- Login with your existing Runtastic account or create a new one.
- Download the Runtastic app and track your running, walking and hiking activities using the app or a connected GPS device. Activities tracked with your account will count automatically towards the Allianz World Run.
- Participants can also visit www.allianzworldrun.com to track their live progress and communicate with their respective teams.
Sports
Mbah Receives EPL Trophy, Seeks Guinness’ Partnership to Grow Sports in Enugu
…Why we choose Enugu- Guinness, reports SANDRA ANI
The Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, has expressed his eagerness to partner with Guinness Nigeria PLC to accelerate his administration’s sports development effort, describing the state as the home of sporting legends, who have ruled the world of sports as well as home of abundant talents for the future.
Mbah spoke when a team of Guinness Nigeria’s management showcased the English Premier League, EPL, trophy, to him at Government House, Enugu, on Friday.
It is recalled that Guinness Nigeria and the Premier League partnered to bring the iconic silverware for display in Enugu on Friday, May 16 and in Lagos on Saturday May 17 and Sunday, 18 to give EPL’s teeming fans in Nigeria the rare opportunity to experience the trophy.
Speaking during the presentation of the trophy at the Lion Building, Enugu State Government House, Mbah noted that beside putting in place legislative frameworks for sports development, his administration was also embarking on a massive reconstruction of the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village preparatory to hosting the 2026 edition of the National Sports Festival.
“Like Guinness, we regard sports as a positive force in Enugu. We are not surprised that the Guinness flagship event is being held here in Enugu. Just like Guinness, we also see sports as a platform to foster social cohesion. We are not just paying lip service to sports; we actually have our skin in the game.
“We believe that the EPL is quite a spectacle with audiences across the world and you couldn’t have chosen a better city for the flagship event than Enugu.
“Again, since here is the home of Rangers and since we have also recognised that this is where it all happens, let us begin to think about more collaboration with Guinness to see how we can secure endorsement with the Guinness corporate brand. This should be on the table because Rangers also won the 2023/2024 Nigerian Premier League title.
“We are just about giving the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium and Awgu Games Village a new lease of life, making sure they meet FIFA and World Athletics standards ahead of the National Sports Festival. So, we look forward to more strategic collaboration with Guinness. We are quite a business-friendly state,” he stated.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation and the Corporate Relations Director at Guinness Nigeria PLC, Rotimi Odusola, described Enugu State as the spiritual home of sports in Nigeria, noting the exploits of Rangers.
He said it was only natural to choose Enugu for the display of the EPL silverware, given its history and the great job Governor Mbah had done in repositioning the state.
“Some may wonder why Enugu. There is a reason for us to choose Enugu as the first place in Nigeria since this trophy arrived yesterday. It is because we know that Enugu State is the spiritual home of football in Nigeria. As a young football lover, I can’t forget all of the stories around Enugu Rangers football team.
“I want to also appreciate you for the work you are doing. The last time I was in Enugu was in 2022 and I have seen remarkable improvements in Enugu State since my last visit.
“This presentation of the EPL trophy is an opportunity for us to reinforce Guinness Nigeria being a business that has been intricate in the fabric of Nigeria for 75 years. We also want to use this opportunity to create magical moments for our consumers and members of the public through the collaboration between Guinness globally and the English Premier League,” he added.
The event was witnessed by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Enugu State, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dame Ugochi Madueke; Director, Marketing and Innovations, Guinness Nigeria, Yinka Bakare; Director, Corporate Relations, Guinness Nigeria, Rotimi Odusola; Head of Marketing, Guinness Nigeria, Ramanathan Sollayepan; Head of Division, South-East Region, Guinness Nigeria, Adesoji Opeyemi; General Manager, Rangers International Football Club of Enugu, Barr. Amobi Ezeaku; and the Chairman, Enugu State Football Association, Barr. Tony Ugwu, among others.
MTN Nigeria, the official sponsor of the English Premier League (EPL) on SuperSport, successfully hosted an electrifying Manchester Derby watch party at Bay Lounge, Lekki, on April 6, 2025. Football fans gathered for a superb night of live-action football, engaging discussions, and exciting giveaways.
Building on the success of its previous Arsenal vs. Manchester United watch party, MTN Nigeria once again provided a premium viewing experience that brought fans together to celebrate their shared passion for football.
These fans enjoyed their match on a big screen among other football lovers. The Derby ended in a tense goalless draw that, while lacking in goals, was full of drama.
Fans erupted at every near-miss, debated tactical battles, and rode the emotional rollercoaster of a match that left City’s Champions League hopes hanging and reflected Manchester United’s season frustrations.
Looking ahead, this draw presents an opportunity for Newcastle United, as they could overtake City for fifth place if they secure a victory against Leicester City, who are battling relegation, on Monday; highlighting the competitive nature of the league and the dynamic possibilities for all teams involved.
Nwadinma Gregory, one lucky attendee who walked away with an MTN broadband MiFi, said “The energy at the MTN Nigeria watch party was absolutely incredible! Watching the Manchester Derby with fellow fans, experiencing every goal, every near miss and every thrilling moment together made it unforgettable. MTN really knows how to bring football lovers together for an amazing experience!”
One of the biggest talking points was Kevin De Bruyne, who recently announced this would be his final season at Manchester City.
Fans took the opportunity to reflect on his remarkable legacy. Mickhael Ehi, an attendee, shared his thoughts on De Bruyne’s impact and contribution to the team, highlighting the significance of his career at the club: “Seeing De Bruyne in what might be his last Manchester Derby was bittersweet. He’s been a Premier League legend: the assists, the vision, the leadership. Even if he wasn’t at his peak today, you could feel the respect from the crowd. Players like him don’t come around often.”
Lakinbofa Goodluck, MTN Nigeria’s PR Manager, highlighted the brand’s dedication to enhancing football experiences:
“At MTN Nigeria, we are committed to enriching the experiences of our customers and football lovers. The Premier League is more than just football; it’s about community, passion, and unforgettable moments, and we are proud to bring that to our fans.”
With the EPL season still in full swing, MTN Nigeria will continue to create unique engagement opportunities for fans, ensuring they stay connected to the game they love.
…reaffirms MTN Nigeria’s support following ‘draw’ with Zimbabwe.
MTN Nigeria, the official telecommunications partner of the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF), has reiterated its unwavering support for the Super Eagles following their spirited draw with Zimbabwe in the World Cup qualifier match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.
Building on the momentum from their recent victory against Rwanda, MTN Nigeria had expressed strong backing for the national team ahead of the crucial fixture. Tobe Okigbo, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Corporate Services & Sustainability Officer, stated before the game, “We are confident in the team’s ability to make Nigeria proud and qualify for the World Cup.”
Despite the draw, MTN Nigeria’s CEO, Karl Toriola, maintained a positive outlook. “While tonight’s outcome wasn’t what we hoped for, we remain steadfast in our support for the Super Eagles. This result is just part of the journey towards World Cup qualification, and we believe in the team’s resilience and ability to succeed,” Toriola said.
The match showcased the Super Eagles’ grit and determination as they found their rhythm against the Zimbabwean side. Nigeria scored the first goal, demonstrating their prowess and fighting spirit, although the match ultimately ended in a draw. This result has added to the excitement of Nigeria’s path to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
MTN Nigeria, which signed a deal with the NFF in 2021 as the Official Telecoms Partner, has been a constant pillar of support for Nigerian football for over two decades. The company’s commitment extends from grassroots to national levels, investing significantly in the development of local football.
“Our support for the Super Eagles and all national teams is part of our long-standing tradition,” Toriola added. “We are building a sustainable legacy of collaboration, growth, and development in the football space. Tonight’s result doesn’t change our belief in the team’s potential to make all Nigerians proud on the global stage. We believe in our Eagles.”
As the Super Eagles regroup and prepare for their next qualifier, MTN Nigeria has called on all Nigerians to rally behind the team. The company emphasized that this is a crucial time for unity and continued support, expressing confidence that the Super Eagles will overcome this challenge and strive towards securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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