2026 Athletics: Asaba is camp base for Team Nigeria

By our reporter

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) says it has taken a decisive step toward strengthening the country’s track and field fortunes ahead of the 2026 season.

The AFN has selected the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, as the official camping base for the home-based athletes preparing for major national and international championships.

The camp will serve as the base for Team Nigeria’s preparations for a calendar that includes the World Relays Championship in Gaborone, Botswana, in May; the Senior Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Championships in Accra, Ghana; the CAA Region II Senior Championships in Dakar, Senegal, as well as the World Junior Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States.

AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, led an inspection tour of the facilities alongside the Federation’s Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, the Federation’s scribe, Isreal Inwang, and the Athletes’ Representative.

The AFN says the visit was aimed at ensuring that the stadium and supporting infrastructure meet the standards required for high-performance training ahead of the crucial competitions.

A major boost to the camping programme is the support of the Delta State Government, with Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori approving the use of the facilities at the Stephen Keshi Stadium free of charge.

The camping exercise, according to the AFN, will be conducted in phases and closely supervised by the federation’s Technical Committee to ensure effective monitoring, proper conditioning, and gradual build-up of athletes across different events and age categories.

Addressing athletes expected to be called up, Okowa assured them of the federation’s full commitment to their welfare and overall success, stressing that creating a stable and supportive environment remains a top priority of the current administration.

Speaking to journalists after the inspection, the AFN president, who also serves as Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), disclosed that the federation has already submitted a comprehensive response to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) regarding queries on age discrepancies involving some under-18 and under-20 athletes.

“It will take some time for the AIU to respond to our report, but I am confident of a positive outcome. The exercise we have embarked upon is a continuous process,” Okowa said.

The AFN president then commended the Delta State Government and the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Joshua Oborevwori, for their hospitality and support, describing Asaba as a welcoming and conducive environment for Nigeria’s athletes as they prepare to fly the nation’s flag on the continental and global stage.