AFN Announces First Leg of Golden League, Leaves Athletes to Fund Themselves

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has confirmed that the first leg of its 2026 Golden League will take place at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State, from February 28 to March 1.

The competition marks the beginning of a five-leg series across Benin, Lagos, Abuja, Abeokuta, and Uyo, designed to mirror the structure of the World Athletics Wanda Diamond League, where athletes accumulate points toward qualification for the final.

However, while the AFN has outlined the calendar and entry process, it has not provided details on prize money, jackpot structures, or the broader organizational framework of the Golden League.

This omission has raised concerns among athletes and stakeholders, given that the Diamond League model it seeks to emulate is built on transparency around rankings, rewards, and qualification pathways.

The federation has also made clear that all welfare, accommodation, feeding, transportation, and logistics will be the sole responsibility of participating states, clubs, and institutions.

This no-subsidy stance has already sparked debate, with critics arguing that leaving athletes to self-fund participation undermines the credibility of a competition intended to elevate Nigerian athletics to international standards.

Entries must be submitted via the Roster Athletics platform by February 26, with late submissions not accepted.