Team Nigeria’s squad of established global stars and several rising talents is set to compete against continental heavyweights at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships which kicks off today in Accra, Ghana.

The delegation of 41 athletes and officials arrived Accra yesterday through Murtala Mohammed International Airport Lagos for the six-day competition scheduled to end on May 17.

The contingent comprising 17 male and 24 female athletes will compete for laurels across 26 track and field events.

The team will compete under the technical supervision of AFN Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, with support from an experienced coaching crew including 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.

Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria’s chances at the continental showpiece.

Team Nigeria’s stars to watch:

Tobi Amusan (100m Hurdles): The world record holder leads the contingent as the clear favorite in her signature event.

Favour Ashe (100m & Relays): One of Africa’s fastest sprinters, Ashe is expected to lead the charge in the men’s 100m and relay teams.

Rosemary Chukwuma (100m & Relays): Currently one of the season’s fastest female sprinters, she will lead the women’s short-distance team.

Chidi Okezie (400m & Relays): An experienced quarter-miler who recently helped secure a World Championship ticket for the relay team.

Oyesade Olatoye (Hammer Throw): A veteran field athlete and hammer specialist who remains a strong podium contender.

Ruth Usoro (Long Jump): A multi-talented jumper who bolsters Nigeria’s prospects in field events.

The squad also features exciting young athletes who impressed at the 2026 World Relays in Botswana, including: Miracle Ezechukwu and Tejiri Ugoh (Sprints/Relays); Aderonke Akanbi, who is part of a renewed push in distance running, competing in the 1,500m and 3,000m steeplechase as well as Godwin Tejiri and Rosemary Nwankwo (Sprints). (Daily Trust)

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