Nigeria’s Athletics Stars Chase Continental Dominance in Accra

By Samuel Akpan

World record holder Tobi Amusan will spearhead a determined 41-strong Nigerian team as it departs for Accra, Ghana, on Monday, aiming to reclaim continental supremacy at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships.

Persecondnews reports that the six-day competition, running from May 12 to 17 at the University of Ghana stadium, features the Green and White in 26 track and field events, blending proven champions with exciting new talent ready to light up the meet and build momentum for a major summer ahead.

The squad, comprising 17 men and 24 women, mixes home-based athletes with overseas professionals, many of whom have already arrived in the Ghanaian capital.

Persecondnews reports that Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President Chief Tonobok Okowa leads the delegation, while AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon takes charge of the technical side.

He is backed by nine coaches: National Head Coach Solomon Aliyu (hurdles), Olu Sule (horizontal jumps), Deji Aliu (sprints), Gabriel Opuana (throws), Kolawole Adebayo (vertical jumps), Saheed Akinpelu (long sprints), Mavuah Esabunor (short sprints), Pade Lawal (women’s sprints), and Henry Okorie (athlete representative).

Medal prospects rest heavily on Amusan in the 100m hurdles, alongside standout performers Rosemary Chukwuma, Favour Ashe, quarter-miler Chidi Okezie, discus thrower Obiageri Amaechi and hammer thrower Oyesade Olatoye.

Fresh from impressive showings at the recent World Relays in Gaborone, young guns Godwin Tejiri, Miracle Ezechukwu, Rosemary Nwankwo and Toheebat Jimoh add youthful firepower to the lineup.

Nigeria is also mounting a renewed challenge in the middle and long-distance arena. James Comfort Anietie lines up in the women’s 800m, while rising star Aderonke Akanbi doubles in the 1,500m and 3,000m steeplechase.

On the men’s side, Gang James Boyi—dominant in Nigeria’s 10km road races over the past year—will contest both the 1,500m and 5,000m.

Boasting a formidable mix of elite veterans and rising talent, Team Nigeria arrives in Accra with a clear mission: total dominance.

Fueled by standout performances in Gaborone and recent domestic trials, the squad is no longer just competing—they are setting the pace for African athletics and building unstoppable momentum for a historic summer.