Nigeria’s Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, says Team Nigeria will target continental titles and qualification spots for the 2026 World Athletics Championships when the CAA Senior African Athletics Championships begin in Accra, Ghana, next week.
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The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) will parade a 45-man contingent made up of 25 women and 20 men for the five-day championship scheduled for May 12 to 17 at the University of Ghana Sports Complex.
Speaking ahead of the team’s final preparations, Okon stated that the federation’s ambition goes beyond exposing young athletes to international competition, insisting that Nigeria is heading to Ghana with the objective of finishing among the top nations on the medals table.
“Our aim is not just exposing our young team but to win overall. Also, we want our athletes to set the tone with good performances for the Commonwealth Games, and most importantly, our men and women’s 4x400m teams who are yet to qualify for the World Championships have another chance to do so in Accra,” Okon said.
World record holder Tobi Amusan will lead Nigeria’s women’s team as she seeks a fourth African title in the women’s 100m hurdles.
She will compete alongside Adaobi Tabugbo and Janet Sunday in the event.
Nigeria’s sprint squad also features Rosemary Chukwuma, one of the fastest women this season, who is entered for the 100m and women’s 4x100m relay alongside Miracle Ezechukwu, Maria Thompson-Omokwe and Tejiri Ugoh.
Veteran quarter-miler Patience Okon-George is expected to spearhead the women’s 400m and relay teams after recently claiming gold at a Continental Tour meeting in Abidjan.
Other notable names in the women’s squad include long jumper Ruth Usoro and hammer throw specialist Oyesade Olatoye.
However, Nigeria will be without four-time African long jump champion Ese Brume and former discus champion Chioma Onyekwere.
In the men’s team, sprint sensation Favour Ashe and shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi are expected to lead Nigeria’s medal charge in Accra.
The relay squads will also feature Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli and Chidi Okezie, while the men’s 100m lineup includes Enoch Adegoke and National Sports Festival champion Chidera Ezeakor.
Nigeria will also count on decathlon record holder Jami Schlueter, who recently switched allegiance from Great Britain and set a new Nigerian indoor heptathlon record earlier this year.
The Nigerian contingent had continued preparations at the Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos following the World Relays in Gaborone, with the remaining athletes expected to join camp before departure to Ghana.
