AFN Names Asaba as Team Nigeria Camp Base Ahead of 2026 Athletics Season

Posted : 04 February 2026

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has taken a decisive step to strengthen the country’s track and field prospects ahead of a busy 2026 season.

In a statement, Maxwell Kumoye, Chairman of the AFN Media Committee, disclosed that the federation, with full backing from the National Sports Commission (NSC), has chosen Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba as the official camp for home-based athletes.

“The camp base is for home-based athletes preparing for major national and international championships this year,” Kumoye said. “It will serve as the launchpad for Team Nigeria’s preparations for a packed calendar, including 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, the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in July, and the World Junior Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States in August.”

Kumoye added that AFN President Tonobok Okowa led an inspection tour of the facilities alongside the federation’s Technical Director Gabriel Okon, federation scribe Israel Inwang, and Athletes’ Representative Henry Okorie. The visit was aimed at ensuring the stadium and supporting infrastructure meet the standards required for high-performance training ahead of these crucial competitions.

A major boost to the camping programme comes from funding by the NSC and the support of Delta State Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, who approved the use of Stephen Keshi Stadium’s facilities. Okowa particularly appreciated both the NSC Chairman and Director-General, Mallam Shehu Dikko and Chief Bukola Olopade, for their significant support of the federation and the camping programme.

Kumoye explained that the camping exercise, according to Okowa, will be conducted in phases and closely supervised by the federation’s Technical Committee. “The supervision is to ensure effective monitoring, proper conditioning, and gradual build-up of athletes across different events and age categories,” he said. Okowa assured the invited home-based athletes of the federation’s full commitment to their welfare and overall success, emphasizing that creating a stable and supportive environment remains a top priority of the current administration.

On the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) age probe, Okowa stated that the federation has submitted a comprehensive response to 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 is a continuous process to discourage any age cheating,” he added.

Okowa also issued a stern warning to coaches who may be involved in, or encouraging, sharp practices, urging them to desist or face serious sanctions from the federation. He commended 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 preparing to represent the nation on the continental and global stage.

AFN Names Asaba as Team Nigeria Camp Base Ahead of 2026 Athletics Season

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