AFN Finalises National Trials in Lagos Ahead of World Athletics Championships

Posted : 31 July 2025

As the date for the World Athletics Championships draws closer, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has finalised arrangements for its National Trials, which will be used to select athletes to represent the country.

This encouraging development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Secretary General of the AFN, Israel Inwang.

The National Trials are scheduled to take place from August 1 to 3, 2025, at the Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos, South-West Nigeria.

Organised under the leadership of AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, the trials aim to prepare and select athletes for major international competitions, including the CAA Region 2 African Senior Athletics Championship in Ghana, the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, and the Islamic Games. It also serves to improve national records.

To support participating athletes who have met this year’s qualifying standards, the AFN has announced that accommodation will be provided during the trials.

Athletes are expected to arrive in Lagos on July 31, with competition scheduled across three days, and departure planned for August 4.

Some of Nigeria’s biggest track and field stars will headline the event, including world-record holder and 2022 world champion Tobi Amusan, who is targeting a return to the top in the women’s 100m hurdles. Also competing are long jump star Ese Brume, rising sprint sensation Tima Godbless, and a host of foreign-based athletes.

In the men’s events, top contenders include shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, 400m hurdler Nathaniel Ezekiel, and sprinter Udodi Onwuzurike, all eager to book their spots on Team Nigeria’s roster for the Tokyo championship in September.

Athletes who have already qualified for the World Championships—either by meeting entry standards or through World Athletics rankings—include:

Tima Godbless
Rosemary Chukwuma
Kelly Ufodiama
Ella Onojuvwevwo
Temitope Adeshina
Ese Brume
Favour Ofili

However, Favour Ofili’s participation remains under review due to ongoing speculation regarding a potential switch of allegiance to Turkey.

Meanwhile, several AFN board members and officials have already arrived in Lagos to oversee what promises to be one of Nigeria’s most exciting athletics moments in recent years.

AFN Finalises National Trials in Lagos Ahead of World Athletics Championships

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