AFN Releases Contingent for CAA Region II Championships, Targets Title Defense

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has officially announced a 26-athlete contingent to represent the country at the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Region II Senior Athletics Championships, scheduled to take place on Monday, August 18 and Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at the University of Ghana Sports Complex in Legon, Accra.

The team, led by veteran sprinter Patience Okon-George, will compete across a selection of 13 distinct disciplines, although the Federation has listed 20 events by counting men’s and women’s categories separately.

Notably absent from the squad are global stars Tobi Amusan, Ezekiel Nathaniel, and Israel Okon.

Under the technical guidance of AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon and National Head Coach Solomon Aliyu, the athletes will depart Lagos for Accra on Saturday, August 16, ahead of the two-day championship.

Nigeria’s sprint lineup features Olaolu Olatunde, James Taiwo Emmanuel, Abdulgafar Audu, and Chidera Nzeakor in the men’s 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay. Their female counterparts—Chioma Nweke, Olayinka Olajide, Iyanuoluwa Bada, and Maria Thompson—will contest the same events on the women’s side.

In the 110m hurdles, US-based athletes Nnamdi Onwaeze and Musa Wisdom Great will fly Nigeria’s flag, while the 400m and 4x400m relay events will see representation from Patience Okon-George, Favour Onyah, Opeyemi Oke, and Anita Enaruna for the women, and Gafari Badmus, Ezekiel Asuquo, Victor Sampson, and David Alkalu for the men.

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

Field events will feature Paris Olympics finalist Prestina Ochonogor in the women’s long jump, with Charles Godfred competing in the men’s category. Blessing Oluwayemi will take on the triple jump, while Adams Kure and Victoria Kparika will contest the javelin throw for men and women respectively.

Dickson Ugochukwu will represent Nigeria in the men’s shot put, and Treasure Omosiuwe will compete in the women’s high jump.

AFN President and CAA Region II President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, congratulated the selected athletes and urged them to be worthy ambassadors of Nigeria. He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to defend the title won last year, when Nigeria topped the medals table with 13 gold, four silver, and one bronze.

Despite the absence of some marquee names, Team Nigeria is expected to showcase the same competitive spirit that earned them regional dominance in 2024.