NSC Backs Team Nigeria for strong outing at African Athletics Championships in Accra

Posted : 12 May 2026

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has thrown its weight behind Team Nigeria as the country begins preparations for the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships holding in Accra, Ghana, from May 12 to 17.

Nigeria’s delegation, made up of 41 athletes, has already arrived in Ghana ahead of Monday’s opening ceremony, with officials optimistic about the country’s chances at the continental showpiece.

Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, expressed confidence in the squad, urging the athletes to compete with determination, discipline, and national pride throughout the six-day championship.

According to Olopade, the composition of the team reflects the country’s growing strength in athletics, blending established international stars with promising emerging talents capable of delivering strong performances for Nigeria.

Team Nigeria will feature 17 male and 24 female athletes competing across 26 track and field events as the nation seeks to maintain its upward trajectory in African athletics.

World record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, headlines the Nigerian contingent and is expected to be one of the major attractions of the championship as she targets another dominant outing on the continental stage.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria delegation is led by its president, Tonobok Okowa, while AFN Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, oversees the team’s technical preparations.

The coaching crew includes National Head Coach Solomon Aliyu for hurdles, Olu Sule for horizontal jumps, Deji Aliu for sprints, Gabriel Opuana for throws, Kolawole Adebayo for vertical jumps, Saheed Akinpelu for long sprints, Mavuah Esabunor for short sprints, Pade Lawal for women’s sprints, and Henry Okorie.

Olopade also reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to supporting athletes and sports federations with the necessary environment to thrive, adding that the athletes possess the quality and preparation needed to compete against Africa’s best.

The NSC further praised the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for its preparations heading into the championships, especially after Nigeria secured four qualification tickets at the recent World Relays Championships in Gaborone, Botswana.

The arrival of the Nigerian contingent in Accra sets the stage for a highly anticipated competition where the nation aims to exert its dominance in African athletics. With a blend of veteran experience and youthful energy, Team Nigeria is well-positioned to achieve significant podium success and reinforce its status as a continental powerhouse.

NSC Backs Team Nigeria for strong outing at African Athletics Championships in Accra

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