AFN Golden League starts with 412 athletes in Benin City

By Editor

Team Nigeria’s athletics season shifts into top gear on Monday as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) flags off its maiden Golden League series in Benin City.

The two-day meet, scheduled for March 2 and 3 at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, is officially listed on the World Athletics calendar and is said to signal a new direction by the federation.

No fewer than 412 athletes have entered for 28 events across men’s and women’s categories in what promises to be a high-energy confrontation.

The National Team athletes currently in camp in Asaba will use the Golden League Series to assess their level of progress while in camp.

Competition begins at 8am. on Monday with the women’s 5,000m final setting the tone.

The Golden League is structured into three tiers:

• Premium

• Classics

• Promotional

They’re designed to reward excellence while deepening the talent pool.

The blue-riband 100m and 400m races for both men and women headline the four Premium events, with cash rewards awaiting the winners.

Eight Classics events, including the women’s 100m hurdles, men’s 110m hurdles, men’s triple jump and javelin, women’s 800m, men’s 1,500m, women’s long jump and high jump, will also attract incentives.

The Promotional category is aimed at broadening participation and sharpening the next generation of stars, reinforcing the AFN’s renewed focus on athlete development.

The Technical Director of AFN, Gabriel Okon, described the league as a crucial platform to guarantee regular competition for Nigerian athletes throughout the year, noting that consistency remains key to international success.