Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 CAA Senior Athletics Championships in Accra have been strengthened with the unveiling of a 45 member contingent made up of some of the country’s biggest athletics stars alongside a new generation of emerging talents expected to compete for medals on the continental stage.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria confirmed a squad consisting of 25 female and 20 male athletes for the championships scheduled to take place in Ghana, with strong expectations placed on the team ahead of another major competition year.
World record holder Tobi Amusan headlines the women’s team and is expected to lead Nigeria’s charge in the women’s 100 metres hurdles event. She will compete alongside Adaobi Tabugbo and Janet Sunday as Nigeria aims to dominate one of its strongest disciplines.
Also included in the squad is Rosemary Chukwuma, who has emerged as one of the fastest female sprinters this season. She is expected to compete in both the women’s 100 metres and the 4×100 metres relay event alongside Miracle Ezechukwu, Maria Thompson Omokwe and Tejiri Ugoh.
Experience has also been added to the women’s contingent through quarter miler Patience Okon George, long jumper Ruth Usoro and hammer throw specialist Oyesade Olatoye, all of whom are expected to play key roles in Nigeria’s medal ambitions.
In the men’s category, sprint star Favour Ashe will spearhead Nigeria’s sprint challenge together with Africa’s leading shot put athlete Chukwuebuka Enekwechi.
The men’s sprint team also includes Enoch Adegoke, Usheoritse Itsekiri and Chidera Ezakor, while the 400 metres and relay events will feature Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli and Chidi Okezie.
Nigeria’s field event hopes will also rest on athletes such as Romeo Bernard, Emmanuel Audu and javelin thrower Adams Samuel Kure as the country looks to make a strong impression against the continent’s best competitors.
The championships in Accra are expected to serve as an important test event for Nigerian athletes as preparations continue for the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with several athletes hoping to build momentum ahead of the global competition.
