Akwa Ibom State is set to host the maiden edition of the La Reine Cycling Marathon, with professional and amateur cyclists from across Nigeria expected to participate in the event.

The cycling marathon is scheduled to take place in Uyo from October 26 to November 1, 2026, according to the organisers.

The event’s convener, Imaobong Umoh, said the marathon is designed to promote wellness, fitness and healthy living while also providing a platform for identifying emerging cycling talents in Nigeria.

She said the competition would feature several categories, including elite male and female professionals, amateurs, juniors, intermediate riders, veterans and fun riders. Special displays by skaters and power bikers are also expected.

The organisers said the race has been sanctioned by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria and will comply with international cycling standards.

The marathon will also include a 100-kilometre route for elite and amateur cyclists, while fun riders will participate in shorter 25-kilometre and 10-kilometre rides. The main route will pass through parts of Uyo, including Nwaniba and Ring Road 3, before ending at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.

To ensure safety, the organisers said they are working with the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police, health authorities and emergency services. Ambulances, medical teams and road marshals are expected to be deployed along the routes.

Umoh said the marathon would also provide an opportunity to showcase Akwa Ibom’s tourism attractions and position the state as a destination for cycling and sporting events.

Cash prizes and wellness packages are expected to be available for participants, with further details to be announced by the organisers.

The organisers also plan to make the cycling marathon an annual event, with participation expected to expand to cyclists from all 36 states from next year.

Super Eagles midfielder Alhassan Yusuf has been left out of Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with injury emerging as the main reason for his absence.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle named his squad for the September qualifiers, but Yusuf was not included despite his strong performances for both the Super Eagles and New England Revolution in recent months.

Yusuf Ruled Out With Hamstring Injury

According to reports, the New England Revolution midfielder suffered a hamstring injury during his club’s 2-1 victory over New York City FC.

Yusuf was forced off in the 19th minute after picking up the injury following a challenge, and the problem is expected to keep him out for several weeks.

Soccernet reports that the 26-year-old could be sidelined for up to six weeks, ruling him out of Nigeria’s two September AFCON qualifying matches.

Another Nigerian football outlet, OwnGoalNigeria, also reported that Yusuf had been ruled out of the qualifiers because of a hamstring injury.

His Recent Super Eagles Form Had Put Him in Contention

Yusuf’s omission comes despite an impressive return to the national team earlier this year.

The midfielder played a key role in Nigeria’s 2026 Unity Cup campaign and was particularly influential in the final against Jamaica, where he scored twice as the Super Eagles secured a 3-0 victory.

His performances had strengthened his case for continued involvement under Chelle after he was previously left out of Nigeria’s squad for the 2025 AFCON.

Chelle Was Expected to Consider Yusuf

Yusuf had been among the midfielders competing for places in Chelle’s squad following his performances for New England Revolution and Nigeria.

His absence from the latest squad is therefore understood to be injury-related rather than a fresh decision to drop him from the coach’s plans.

Chelle has also had to make other changes to his squad because of injuries, with reports indicating that several players were unavailable or doubtful ahead of the qualifiers.

When Will Yusuf Return?

The length of Yusuf’s recovery will determine when he can return to action for New England Revolution and the Super Eagles.

With Nigeria’s September fixtures coming too soon for the midfielder, his immediate priority will be recovering fully before attempting to return to club football and, subsequently, the national team.

Nigeria are scheduled to face Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Morocco to play Guinea-Bissau on September 29 in their opening 2027 AFCON qualifying fixtures.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is set to hand Alverca defender Isaac James his first senior invitation to the Nigerian national team ahead of the September 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The 22-year-old left-back has reportedly attracted Chelle’s attention with his performances for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Alverca, where he has started all six league matches this season.

James’ expected invitation comes as Nigeria look for additional options at left-back following Zaidu Sanusi’s injury.

Isaac James Emerges as New Left-Back Option

According to reports from Portugal, James is expected to be invited for Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The Alverca defender has played 514 minutes in the Portuguese league this season and has contributed two assists. His latest appearance came in Alverca’s 3-1 away victory over Nacional on September 12.

His ability to operate in more than one defensive role has also strengthened his case. James can play as a traditional left-back, left wing-back or on the left side of a back three.

Sanusi Injury Opens Door for James

The expected call-up comes after Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi suffered a right adductor injury during his club’s 3-0 victory over Académico de Viseu on August 29.

Sanusi was substituted early in the match and is expected to spend about two months on the sidelines, creating a need for additional depth in the position.

Bruno Onyemaechi remains another option for Chelle, but James’ emergence gives the coach another player to assess during the international window.

James’ Journey to Portugal

James began his football journey in Nigeria with Garden City Panthers before attracting interest from clubs abroad.

His development included a trial with Danish club FC Midtjylland in 2021 before he moved to France for an opportunity with Lorient.

Lorient subsequently signed him and placed him in their reserve structure. His competitive progress was initially affected by visa issues, but he eventually broke into the senior setup.

James made his professional debut for Lorient against Grenoble in Ligue 2 on August 24, 2024, coming on as a substitute in a 2-0 victory.

Chelle Continues to Expand Super Eagles Options

James has reportedly been on Chelle’s radar since last season, with the coach’s scouting network monitoring his progress at Alverca.

A report published earlier this month said Chelle had sent scouts to watch the young defender on three occasions this season and was impressed by the reports received.

If the invitation is confirmed and James makes the squad, the September qualifiers could mark the beginning of his senior international career with Nigeria.

For now, the expected invitation gives the young defender an opportunity to compete for a place in a Super Eagles squad undergoing changes ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.