Team Nigeria has departed for Accra, Ghana, for the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships scheduled to hold from May 12 to 17.
The Nigerian contingent consists of 41 athletes, made up of 17 male and 24 female competitors, who will represent the country in 26 track and field events at the continental championships.
Several foreign-based athletes had already arrived in Accra ahead of the team’s departure from Nigeria, travelling directly from their respective bases abroad.
According to a statement released by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), the delegation is being led by AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa.
The team will compete under the technical supervision of AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon, alongside a coaching crew that includes National Head Coach Solomon Aliyu (Hurdles), Olu Sule (Horizontal Jumps), Deji Aliu (Sprints), Gabriel Opuana (Throws), Kolawole Adebayo (Vertical Jumps), Saheed Akinpelu (Long Sprints), Mavuah Esabunor (Short Sprints), Pade Lawal (Women’s Sprints), and Henry Okorie, who will serve as Athletes’ Representative.
Nigeria’s squad features some of the country’s biggest athletics stars, including world record holder Oluwatobi Amusan in the women’s 100m hurdles, sprinter Rosemary Chukwuma, sprint sensation Favour Ashe, quarter-miler Chidi Okezie, discus thrower Obiageri Amaechi, and hammer throw specialist Oyesade Olatoye.
Also included in the squad are emerging talents who impressed at the recently concluded World Relays in Gaborone, among them Godwin Tejiri, Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Nwankwo, and Toheebat Jimoh.
Nigeria is also making a return to prominence in middle and long-distance events, with athletes entered in the 800m, 1,500m, 3,000m steeplechase, and 5,000m races.
James Comfort Anietie will compete in the women’s 800m event, while rising star Aderonke Akanbi is set to feature in both the women’s 1,500m and 3,000m steeplechase.
In the men’s category, Gang James Boyi, who has dominated Nigeria’s 10km circuit over the past year, will represent the country in both the 1,500m and 5,000m events at the championships as Team Nigeria eyes a strong outing in Accra.
