Grassroots investment driving Nigeria's emergence as athletics powerhouse – AFN

Posted : 16 June 2026

Nigeria's renewed rise in global athletics is increasingly being powered by a deliberate focus on grassroots development and the emergence of home-based athletes, according to the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

Over the last year, athletes training within the country have become central figures in Nigeria's impressive performances across continental and international competitions, providing strong evidence that sustained investment in local talent is beginning to yield significant results.

The transformation has been driven by a combination of structured competitions, athlete support initiatives, training camps, and strategic partnerships championed by the AFN with the backing of the National Sports Commission (NSC).

One of the clearest indicators of this progress came during Nigeria's qualification campaign for the World Athletics Relays Championships in Gaborone, Botswana. Through a carefully designed preparation programme that exposed athletes to multiple high-level competitions, Team Nigeria secured qualification in six relay events, a feat that reflected the growing depth and competitiveness of the country's athletics programme.

The momentum continued at the World Relays, where Nigerian relay teams earned three qualification spots for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in China, further strengthening the country's reputation as a force in global relay competition.

Nigeria also achieved a historic breakthrough in the Mixed 4x100m Relay, becoming the first African nation to qualify for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship scheduled for Budapest, Hungary, in September.

Before those achievements, home-based athletes had already made a strong statement at the Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia, where they gained valuable international exposure and demonstrated their readiness to compete at the highest levels.

The trend continued at the CAA Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, where locally based athletes formed a significant part of Team Nigeria and delivered performances that reinforced confidence in the country's talent development system.

AFN 2nd Vice President, Aku Aghazu, said the federation's recent successes are a direct reflection of its commitment to developing athletes within Nigeria.

According to her, the federation's long-term vision is centred on creating opportunities for athletes training at home and ensuring they receive the support needed to realise their potential.

"The true strength of any athletics system is not measured by its stars abroad but by the opportunities available to athletes training in Nigeria," Aghazu said.

She noted that home-based athletes remain the foundation upon which the future of Nigerian athletics will be built.

To sustain the progress, the AFN has introduced year-round engagement programmes that include competitions, training camps, athlete monitoring, and talent identification initiatives aimed at nurturing the next generation of champions.

The federation also acknowledged the role played by the National Sports Commission, particularly during the recent training camp in Asaba, which contributed significantly to Nigeria's strong performances in Botswana and Ghana.

Despite financial challenges, Aghazu maintained that the federation remains focused on expanding opportunities for local athletes through improved competition structures, enhanced support systems, stronger partnerships with educational institutions, and capacity-building programmes for coaches and technical officials.

She further praised the leadership of the NSC, headed by Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, for providing critical support towards athletics development.

Among the major projects currently underway is the refurbishment of the athletics facility in Shagamu, Ogun State, which is expected to become a key hub for athlete development. The initiative is being complemented by support from Babcock University, which is expected to provide scholarship opportunities and additional developmental support for athletes.

In another significant move aimed at rewarding excellence, the federation plans to introduce prize money for home-based athletes and selected coaches during the National Trials, marking a departure from previous editions.

The AFN's development efforts have already produced a new generation of promising athletes, including Chidera Ezeakor, Tejiri Godwin, Miracle Ezechukwu, Maria Thompson, Rosemary Nwankwo, Nathaniel Samson, Sikiru Adeyemi, Asuquo Ezekiel, Esther Okon, Gafari Badmus, and Toheebat Jimoh.

According to Aghazu, exposing these athletes to modern training methods and competitive environments has accelerated their growth and positioned them for greater achievements in the years ahead.

The federation's progress has also attracted international interest, with leading universities in the United States and professional athletics clubs increasingly seeking Nigerian athletes for scholarship and development opportunities.

To ensure these opportunities contribute positively to national development goals, the AFN's technical leadership continues to monitor athlete progression and provide guidance on career pathways.

The impact of the federation's renewed approach is becoming increasingly visible through relay qualifications, international championship berths, continental successes, and growing global recognition.

For Aghazu, the future of Nigerian athletics lies in strengthening structures at home and creating opportunities for talented young athletes across the country.

She stressed that sustainable success will be built on the tracks, schools, and communities spread across Nigeria, where future champions can be identified, nurtured, and developed.

While acknowledging that challenges remain, she expressed confidence that the progress recorded so far provides a strong foundation for continued growth.

With improved funding support, enhanced technical programmes, expanding infrastructure, and a growing pool of talented athletes, Nigeria's athletics future appears increasingly promising.

The achievements recorded over the past year have not only highlighted the potential of home-based athletes but have also demonstrated that a sustainable pathway for long-term success is gradually taking shape within the country.

This comprehensive approach to grassroots development ensures a bright outlook for the sport nationwide. By strengthening domestic structures and fostering local talent, the federation builds a dependable framework for future international victories. These strategic efforts show that the nation is well-prepared to maintain its rising status as a global athletics powerhouse.

Grassroots investment driving Nigeria's emergence as athletics powerhouse – AFN

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