Nigeria's first World Athletics-certified medical director to lead Okpekpe race
Nigeria’s Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has appointed Dr. Sam Ogbondeminu as medical director for its 11th edition on May 30, 2026, making him the first Nigerian doctor to earn
Nigeria's Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has appointed Dr. Sam Ogbondeminu as medical director for its 11th edition on May 30, 2026, making him the first Nigerian doctor to earn World Athletics certification in the role.
Race director Zack Amodu said the appointment follows a World Athletics directive requiring only certified medical personnel to operate at sanctioned road running events.
"We at Okpekpe race have built a reputation for compliance with regulatory authorities and being the first to clear the path for other road races in Nigeria," he said in a statement.
Ogbondeminu, who also serves as medical director at Nigeria's National Institute for Sports (NIS), completed his certification in Madrid in April, during the World Athletics Label Zurich Rock 'n' Roll Running Series Half Marathon.
Amodu credited NIS Director General Philip Shaibu with facilitating the trip to Madrid, adding: "The sporting community in Nigeria should be grateful to him."
Ogbondeminu previously chaired the medical and anti-doping sub-committee at the 2024 African Games in Accra, Ghana, and is expected to serve in a similar capacity at next year's edition in Egypt.
The Okpekpe race has been held annually in Edo State since 2013 and was the first road race in West Africa to receive World Athletics label status, in 2015, after its course was measured by a certified measurer. With Ogbondeminu's appointment, it becomes the first to have a World Athletics-certified medical director.
