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By Joe Apu
The National Sports Commission has expressed strong confidence in Team Nigeria ahead of the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships scheduled to take place in Accra from May 12 to 17.
A total of 41 Nigerian athletes will represent the country at the six-day continental competition, with the team already arriving in Ghana ahead of Monday’s opening ceremony.
According to Kola Daniel, S.A Media, office of the Director General, National Sports Commission, the DG, Bukola Olopade, charged the athletes to compete with confidence, discipline and patriotism as ambassadors of the nation.
In Olopade’s words, “Team Nigeria has continued to show impressive growth and consistency on both continental and global stages, expressing optimism that the athletes would once again make the country proud in Ghana.”
He described the championship as another opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its depth of talent, noting that the squad boasts a healthy blend of experienced international stars and emerging young athletes.
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The Nigerian contingent comprises 17 male and 24 female athletes who will compete in 26 track and field events as the country seeks to sustain its rising profile in African athletics.
Leading Team Nigeria is world record holder and sprint hurdles star Tobi Amusan, alongside several top home-based and foreign-based athletes already in Accra for the competition.
Earlier, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria announced that its President, Tonobok Okowa, will lead the delegation.
The team will compete under the technical supervision of AFN Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, supported by an experienced coaching crew that includes Solomon Aliyu, Olu Sule, Deji Aliu, Gabriel Opuana, Kolawole Adebayo, Saheed Akinpelu, Mavuah Esabunor, Pade Lawal and Henry Okorie.
Olopade reiterated the NSC’s commitment to creating the right environment for athletes and sports federations to succeed, adding that Team Nigeria possesses the quality, preparation and spirit required to compete strongly against Africa’s best.
The Commission also commended the AFN for its preparations ahead of the championships, coming shortly after Nigeria secured four world event qualification tickets at the World Relays Championships in Gaborone.
