Sports development advocates are calling for a renewed focus on grassroots sports investment following the successful debut of the PitStop Lagos Triathlon.

The event, designed to bolster Nigeria’s sporting ecosystem, saw elite athletes compete for a multimillion-naira prize pool, while highlighting the potential for private-sector-led growth in the sector.

At the event held at the Pitstop Village, Ikoyi, Lagos, elite cyclist, Preye John Dede, emerged winner of the maiden PitStop Lagos triathlon competition, clinching the star prize of N1.5 million in a keenly contested event aimed at promoting grassroots sports development.

Gana Isaac finished second to earn N1.125 million, while Favour Fashanu placed third with a prize of N756, 000.

Other winners include Miebaka Aggo (N350, 000), Odumu Henry (N200, 000), and Abba Emmanuel, Ayibakuro Joseph, Sunday Dele, Itunu Oke, and Awal Awolu, who each received N50, 000.

Similarly, another five participants received N25, 000 each at the three-stage race, which featured a 150-metre swim, 20-kilometre cycling stretch and a 2.5-kilometre run.

President of the Nigerian Triathlon Union, Wale Oladunjoye, described the event as a welcome development, emphasising the federation’s readiness to support credible private sector initiatives.

“The union has been in existence since 1986, and we are pleased to collaborate with initiatives like this. It is a positive step for the sport,” he said.

He highlighted the critical importance of athlete welfare, stressing that exposure must be carefully managed.

“In triathlon, you must be cautious about where athletes are exposed. Safety, hygiene, and overall well-being are key considerations. Without the athletes, there is no sport,” Oladunjoye noted.

He also linked the sport’s endurance demands to Nigeria’s broader socio-economic realities.
“Triathlon is about endurance—swimming, cycling, and running. In many ways, that reflects the Nigerian experience today,” he added.

The winner, John Dede, said his triumph came as a surprise due to a prior spine injury.

“I wasn’t expecting to win, but I relied on my strength in cycling and pushed through. I didn’t even feel the pain during the race,” he said.

Founder of PitStop Lagos, Aminadab Allen Adegboro, said the event aligns with the organisation’s mission to promote healthy lifestyles and build a sustainable sports ecosystem.

“We are encouraging people to challenge themselves and stay active. Sports teach discipline, leadership, and resilience.

“This triathlon is our first edition, and it will continue to grow. We are working towards building a stronger ecosystem for sports in Nigeria,” she added.