Commonwealth Games: Team Nigeria Athletics Steps Up Preparations In Asaba

Team Nigeria Athletics has significantly intensified its preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, with the initial phase of their six-week training camp now well underway in Asaba. Hosted at the state-of-the-art Stephen Keshi Stadium, the camp has brought together a blend of seasoned athletes and exciting new talent, all engaged in rigorous training sessions.

Solomon Aliyu, the head coach for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), expressed his satisfaction with the team’s progress. “We don’t want to be distracted. So far, so good. The camp is in three phases, and this is the first phase,” Aliyu stated in a press release from the AFN media committee.

The second week of the camp has seen a shift from general conditioning to more event-specific drills, with sprinters, jumpers, throwers, and hurdlers all ramping up their routines. Morning sessions are dedicated to endurance and strength, while evenings focus on technical refinement and speed training.

Camp officials have highlighted that this initial six-week programme is designed to build a robust foundation before the team progresses to competitive simulations and international exposure. One coach commented, “The response from the athletes has been encouraging. We are building gradually. The first two weeks are critical for fitness and team bonding, and the athletes have shown discipline and hunger.”

Asaba’s favourable weather and top-tier facilities are also contributing to an ideal training environment. Athletes are concentrating on physical readiness, nutrition, recovery, and mental strength.

Aliyu noted that while some invited athletes are yet to join, their absence is due to commitments at the Niger Delta Games.

“We are expecting more to join the camp after the Niger Delta Games… after the NDDC Games we will have a full camp,” he explained.

Despite the current incomplete squad, morale remains high. Aliyu praised the professionalism of both athletes and support staff, confirming that accommodation, training quality, and catering are all excellent.

The Commonwealth Games offer a significant platform for younger athletes, while experienced competitors aim to surpass previous performances and re-establish Nigeria’s dominance in track and field. With high spirits and excellent facilities, the AFN is confident that this phased approach will prepare Team Nigeria for a strong medal challenge.

Key Athletes and Coaches in Asaba:

100/200M: Chidera Ezeakor

100mh – Women: Jenet Sunday and Precious Uduvweghre

110mh – Men:Musa Wisdom Great and Abdulaziz Abdullahi

400M:Toteebat Jimoh, Ezekiel Asuquo, Emmanuel Ojeli, Samson Nathaniel, Victor Ime, Esther Okon Peter and Emmanuel Salubi (h)

Javelin: Victoria Kparika and Samuel Kure

High Jump: Edet Clergy

Long Jump: Rukewe Nwagbogwu

Shot Put: Dickson Ugochukwu

Triple Jump: Olaoluwa Akindunbi

Coaches: Gabriel Okon – Long Sprint and Relay; Solomon Aliyu – Hurdles; Ken Onuaguluchi – Throws; Kola Adebayo – Vertical Jumps; George Obiano – Horizontal Jumps and Esabunor Mavouh

Chaperone: Olapade Lawal

Medical Staff: Derrick Akhafa and Francis Eramu

Secretariat: Taldang Tanimu