AFN Unveils 26-Athlete Team for CAA Region II Championships in Ghana

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has announced a 26-member squad to represent the country at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Region II Senior Athletics Championships, scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at the University of Ghana Sports Complex, Legon, Accra.

Team Nigeria will compete in 20 events across track and field disciplines under the guidance of AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon and National Head Coach Solomon Aliyu. The contingent is set to depart Lagos on Saturday ahead of the two-day event.

Veteran 400m runner Patience Okon-George will spearhead the team, which includes a blend of home-based and international athletes.

In the sprints and relays, Nigeria will present strong squads:

• Men’s 100m/200m and 4x100m: Olaolu Olatunde, James Taiwo Emmanuel, Abdulgafar Audu, and Chidera Nzeakor

• Women’s sprints: Chioma Nweke, Olayinka Olajide, Iyanuoluwa Bada, and Maria Thompson

US-based hurdlers Nnamdi Onwaeze and Musa Wisdom Great will represent Nigeria in the 110m hurdles, while Gafari Badmus, Ezekiel Asuquo, Victor Sampson, and David Alkalu will join Okon-George, Favour Onyah, Opeyemi Oke, and Anita Enaruna in the 400m and relay events.

In the field events, Paris Olympics finalist Prestina Ochonogor headlines the team in the women’s long jump, with Charles Godfred featuring in the men’s equivalent. Other field competitors include:

• Triple Jump: Blessing Oluwayemi

• Javelin: Adams Kure and Victoria Kparika

• Shot Put: Dickson Ugochukwu

• High Jump: Treasure Omosiuwe

Comfort Anietie James will be Nigeria’s lone entry in the women’s 800m.

AFN President and CAA Region II President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, congratulated the selected athletes and urged them to deliver podium-worthy performances.

“The Federation and the country expect nothing short of great performance that will see Nigeria defend the title won last year,” said Okowa.

At the 2023 edition, Nigeria dominated the championship with 13 gold, four silver, and one bronze medal from a 22-athlete team, topping the medals table and reaffirming its regional supremacy.

With an expanded squad this year, Team Nigeria will be aiming to not only defend but surpass last year’s stellar performance.