The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships scheduled to hold in Accra, Ghana from May 12–17.
A total of 41 Nigerian athletes will represent the country at the six-day continental championships, as the team arrived Accra ahead of the Opening Ceremony on Monday.
The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, charged the athletes to compete with confidence, discipline, and patriotism as ambassadors of the nation.
Olopade said “Team Nigeria has continued to demonstrate tremendous growth and consistency on the continental and global stage, and we are confident that our athletes will make the country proud once again in Ghana.
He added “This championship is another opportunity to showcase the depth of talent we possess as a nation. We are particularly encouraged by the blend of experienced international stars and emerging young athletes in the team.
The Nigerian contingent comprises 17 male and 24 female athletes who will compete in 26 track and field events as the country seeks to continue its impressive rise in African athletics.
Leading the charge for Team Nigeria is world record holder and sprint hurdles queen, Tobi Amusan, alongside several top home-based and foreign-based athletes already in Accra ahead of the competition.
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria earlier announced that the delegation will be led by AFN President, Tonobok Okowa.
The team will compete under the technical supervision of AFN Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, with support from an experienced coaching crew including National Head Coach Solomon Aliyu for hurdles, Olu Sule for horizontal jumps, Deji Aliu for sprints, Gabriel Opuana for throws, Kolawole Adebayo for vertical jumps, Saheed Akinpelu for long sprints, Mavuah Esabunor for short sprints, Pade Lawal for women’s sprints, and Henry Okorie.
The DG noted “The National Sports Commission remains committed to creating the right environment for our athletes and federations to succeed. We believe Team Nigeria has the quality, preparation, and spirit to compete strongly against the very best in Africa,”.
The NSC also commended the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for its preparations ahead of the championships, which continued swiftly after Nigeria picked up 3 world events tickets at the World Relays Championships in Gaborone, Botswana.
