Mary Onyali Track and Field Classics, Shehu Dikko Relay Series, MTN Athletics Top AFN Proposed Programmes for 2026

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has unveiled its calendar for 2026, headlined by the Mary Onyali Track and Field Classics, the Shehu Dikko Relay Series, and the MTN Athletics Series.

The programme also restores the AFN Golden League Series, which failed to hold last year despite being listed, alongside a renewed emphasis on cross country events and grassroots competitions.

The year begins in January with registration and affiliation, followed by Lagos ACAN’s over-distance meet and a series of endurance races including the Kano State Cross Country and the Kogi Half Marathon.

The month closes with the SWAC U15 and Senior Championships preliminaries and the AFN/Agroterra 10km Cross Country Race in Ogun State.

February brings the MTN Champs Season 4 opener, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, and the first leg of the Shehu Dikko Relays in Benin-City.

The AFN Golden League returns with its opening meet also in Benin, while the month features the Nigeria Police Games in Asaba and the Future Olympian Classics for high schools in Lagos.

March is packed with international and domestic action, including the ECOWAS Abuja Marathon, MTN Champs Athletics Classics in Calabar, and the second Shehu Dikko Relays in Kano. The AFN Golden League continues in Lagos, while the Athletics School Games take place at Yabatech in Lagos.

April sees the third Golden League in Abuja and Kaduna, the MTN Champs Grand Final in Ibadan, and the YABATEC leg of the Shehu Dikko Relays. The month also features the Kids Athletics R.A.C.E Series in Port Harcourt and major international meets such as the Mt. Sac Relays in California.

May highlights include the National Youth and Junior Championships in Port Harcourt, the maiden Athletics Masters National Championships in Abuja, and the prestigious Mary Onyali Track and Field Classics in Abeokuta. The Okpekpe 10km Road Race in Edo and the Ibom Challenge in Uyo round off a busy month.

June builds towards the Commonwealth Games Trials in Uyo, with the AFN Golden League Final serving as preparation. The Shehu Dikko Relays continue in Zaria, while the Kids Athletics R.A.C.E Series moves to Umuahia.

The summer months feature continental championships, youth competitions, and the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra. The calendar also includes the World Junior Championships in Eugene, Oregon, and the National Youth Games in Asaba in September.

October and November bring the Tobias Igwe meet in Enugu, the Africa School Games, and the Lagos Women’s Run, while December closes the year with the AFN/Agroterra 10km Cross Country Race in Ogun State.