The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has taken a decisive step towards strengthening the country’s track and field fortunes ahead of a busy 2026 season.
The AFN with the full backing of the National Sports Commission, has selected the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, as the official camp for home-based athletes preparing for major national and international championships this year.
The camp will serve as the launch pad for Team Nigeria’s preparations for a packed calendar that includes the World Relays Championship in Gaborone, Botswana in May, the Senior Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Championships in Accra, Ghana, the CAA Region II Senior Championships in Dakar, Senegal, Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in July, as well as the World Junior Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States in August.
AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, led an inspection tour of the facilities alongside the Federation’s Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, the federation’s scribe, Isreal Inwang and the Athletes’ Representative on the board, Henry Okorie.
The visit was aimed at ensuring that the stadium and supporting infrastructure meet the standards required for high-performance training ahead of the crucial competitions.
A major boost to the camping programme is the funding by the National Sports Commission and support of the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, for approving the use of the facilities at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
Chief Okowa particularly appreciated both the Chairman and Director-General of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Chief Bukola Olopade, for their massive support to the federation and this camping programme.
The camping exercise, according to the AFN President Okowa, will be conducted in phases and closely supervised by the federation’s Technical Committee to ensure effective monitoring, proper conditioning and gradual build-up of athletes across different events and age categories.
Chief Okowa, assured the invited home-based athletes of the federation’s full commitment to their welfare and overall success, stressing that creating a stable and supportive environment remains a top priority of the current administration.
On the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) age probe, the AFN president, who also serves as Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), said that the federation has already submitted a comprehensive response to the AIU on alleged age discrepancies involving some under-18 and under-20 athletes.
“It will take some time for the AIU to respond to our report, but I am confident of a positive outcome. The exercise we have embarked upon is a continuous process to discourage any age cheat. As a federation, we frown at age cheats and we have taken more measures to nip it in the bud,” Okowa said.
He also issued a stern warning to coaches who may be involved in, or encouraging sharp practices, urging them to desist or be ready to face serious sanctions from the federation.
The AFN president concluded by commending the Delta State Government and the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Joshua Oborevwori, for their hospitality and support, describing Asaba as a welcoming and conducive environment for Nigerian athletes as they prepare to fly the nation’s flag on the continental and global stage.
Signed:
Maxwell Kumoye
Chairman, Media Committee,
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)
