The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has set its sights on overall victory at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Senior African Athletics Championships, which begins on Monday in Accra, Ghana.
The five-day championship, scheduled to hold from May 12 to 17 at the University of Ghana Sports Complex, will feature a 45-member Nigerian contingent comprising 25 women and 20 men.
AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon said the team’s ambition goes beyond participation, stressing that Nigeria is targeting top honours on the continent while also using the event to secure qualification for the 2026 World Athletics Championships.
“Our aim is not just exposing our young team but to win overall,” Okon said. “We also want our athletes to set the tone for the Commonwealth Games, and our 4x400m teams still have a chance to qualify for the World Championships in Accra.”
The squad blends experienced athletes with emerging talents. World record holder Tobi Amusan headlines the women’s team and will chase a fourth African title in the 100m hurdles, alongside Adaobi Tabugbo and Janet Sunday.
Sprint star Rosemary Chukwuma, who has been in strong form this season, will compete in the 100m and the 4x100m relay, while Patience Okon-George leads the 400m and relay squads after her recent gold medal at a Continental Tour event in Abidjan.
Other key names in the women’s team include Ruth Usoro in the long jump and Oyesade Olatoye in the hammer throw. However, four-time African long jump champion Ese Brume and former discus champion Chioma Onyekwere are absent, with Onyekwere reportedly shifting focus to weightlifting ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
In the men’s category, Nigeria will be led by sprinter Favour Ashe and shot put specialist Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, who is aiming for a fourth continental title.
The men’s 4x100m relay team will feature Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli, and Chidi Okezie, while the sprint squad also includes Olympic finalist Enoch Adegoke and national champion Chidera Ezeakor.
Decathlon national record holder Jami Schlueter, who recently switched allegiance to Nigeria and set a national indoor heptathlon record in the United States, will also compete in the combined events.
Athletes who participated in the World Relays in Gaborone have already resumed training in Lagos and are expected to join the rest of the squad before departure to Ghana.
