Ghana Athletics Head Coach and United States-based athletics tactician, Eric Nkansah, has expressed deep concern over what he describes as the declining glamour and prestige of the African Senior Athletics Championships, stating that many of Africa’s elite athletes no longer attach the same importance to the continental competition as they once did.
Speaking during the ongoing African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Coach Nkansah lamented the noticeable absence of many of the continent’s biggest stars, noting that top African athletes now prioritize international competitions ahead of continental engagements.
According to him, the championship, which was once regarded as one of the most prestigious athletics competitions in Africa, is gradually losing its appeal among elite competitors.
“The Senior African Athletics Championship has almost lost its glamour compared to what we used to have during our time,” Nkasah stated.
“Today, many elite African athletes prefer competing in international meets instead of representing their countries at the African Championships. If you look at the ongoing championship here in Accra, how many of the big names are truly here?”
The experienced coach pointed out that several African stars who recently featured prominently at the World Relays in Botswana are absent from the championship in Ghana, despite being fit and active on the global circuit.
“You saw many of them competing at the World Relays in Botswana, but they are not here now. In the next few days, when the Shanghai Diamond League in China begins, you will see many African elite athletes participating there,” he added.
Coach Nkansah believes the trend is a major signal for urgent reforms within African athletics administration, especially by the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) and member federations.
He stressed that African sports authorities must begin to rethink strategies capable of restoring the prestige, competitiveness, and attractiveness of the continental championship.
“For me, I think it is high time the governing body of athletics in Africa put heads together and find ways to make the Senior African Championships attractive enough to bring together the very best athletes on the continent,” he said.
The Ghana Athletics Head Coach further emphasized that African competitions should not merely serve as qualification events, but must become prestigious platforms capable of competing with international athletics meetings in terms of organization, incentives, exposure, and athlete welfare.
Nkansah’s comments have already sparked conversations among athletics stakeholders in Accra, with many agreeing that the absence of top stars affects the quality, visibility, and global appeal of African athletics competitions.
As the championship continues in Ghana, observers believe the concerns raised by Coach Eric Nkansah may further intensify discussions about the future direction of athletics development on the continent and the need to reposition Africa’s flagship athletics competition on the global stage.
[16/05, 06:24] Uzo Odigbo: AAC Champs DAY-4
Another Goal Medal from the Ladies 4 × 100m relay event.
This development brought back delightful excitement to the camp.
The Men’s 4x100m relay also gladdened hearts and tensions reduced.
Not everyone knows that the current Team Nigeria athletes competing in AAC Champs in ACCRA is Nigeria’s Team B.
Having won 4 gold medals showed a lot of hard work from the NSC, AFN, and the coaches, whose financial support , Technical and leadership role impacted much.
The athletes are eager, itching to give Nigeria more image boost by coming tops, which is till possible.
A lot of improvement has been recorded technically in handling AAC Champs so far.
The weather was tolerable on Day 4 and I wish it continues.
The Relays continues and more medals expectations are rife and must clique in Nigeria’s favour.
Nigeria’s Athletics Team has been calm, purposeful and results orientated, I wish this continues.
The cordial friendship between athletes, coaches, Media and institutional leadership makes a valid sense here.
Asein Ohis in Accra