The build-up to a demanding athletics season for Team Nigeria shifts into high gear on Monday as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) launches the maiden edition of its Golden League series in Benin City.
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The two-day meet, scheduled for March 2–3 at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, is officially listed on the World Athletics calendar and signals a bold new direction by the federation’s Technical Committee, led by Technical Director Gabriel Okon.
No fewer than 412 athletes have registered to compete in 28 events across men’s and women’s categories, promising two days of high-intensity action.
National team athletes currently in camp in Asaba will also feature, using the Golden League to assess their level of progress as preparations intensify for the season ahead.
Competition gets underway at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, with the women’s 5,000m final opening proceedings.
The Golden League is structured into three tiers—Premium, Classics, and Promotional—designed to reward excellence while expanding Nigeria’s athletics talent pool.
The blue-riband 100m and 400m races for both men and women headline the four Premium events, with cash prizes on offer for winners.
Eight Classics events will also attract incentives, including the women’s 100m hurdles, men’s 110m hurdles, men’s triple jump and javelin, women’s 800m, men’s 1,500m, women’s long jump, and high jump.
The Promotional category is aimed at broadening participation and sharpening emerging talent, reinforcing the AFN’s renewed focus on long-term athlete development.
Technical Director Gabriel Okon described the Golden League as a vital platform to guarantee regular competition for Nigerian athletes throughout the year, stressing that consistency remains key to achieving international success.
He also commended AFN President Tonobok Okowa for backing the initiative and approving financial rewards to motivate outstanding performances.
