Amusan Headlines Nigerian Squad For African Athletics Championships

As the countdown to the CAA Senior Athletics Championships continues, Nigeria has unveiled a formidable 45-athlete contingent for the continental showpiece, with world record holder Tobi Amusan leading a carefully curated blend of seasoned campaigners and rising stars.

The championship, scheduled to take place from May 12 to 17 at the University of Ghana Sports Complex in Accra, is seen as a crucial testing ground ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this July.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) confirmed the roster, which features 25 female and 20 male athletes, signaling the country’s intent to dominate the medal table across sprints, hurdles, field events, and combined disciplines.

Amusan, the reigning world record holder in the 100m hurdles, will be the face of Nigeria’s campaign. She is slated to compete in her signature event alongside Adaobi Tabugbo and Janet Sunday, forming a formidable trio in the hurdles.

Joining Amusan in the women’s contingent is Rosemary Chukwuma, one of the fastest female sprinters on the circuit this season. Chukwuma, who missed the recent World Relays in Gaborone, will make her presence felt in the women’s 100m and as part of the 4x100m relay team, where she will link up with Miracle Ezechukwu, Maria Thompson-Omokwe, and Tejiri Ugoh.

The women’s roster also boasts experienced quarter-miler Patience Okon-George, long jump talent Ruth Usoro, and hammer throw specialist Oyesade Olatoye. However, notable absentees include four-time African long jump champion Ese Brume and former discus champion Chioma Onyekwere, who recently pivoted to weightlifting ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

On the men’s side, sprint star Favour Ashe and Africa’s leading shot put athlete Chukwuebuka Enekwechi will spearhead Nigeria’s medal hopes. The men’s sprint unit is further bolstered by 2020 Olympic finalist Enoch Adegoke, Usheoritse Itsekiri, and reigning National Sports Festival champion Chidera Ezeakor.

In the middle-distance and relay events, the 400m and sprint relay squads will be anchored by Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli, and Chidi Okezie. Nigeria will also field a competitive group in field events, including Romeo Bernard, Emmanuel Audu, and javelin thrower Adams Samuel Kure.

One of the most intriguing additions to the team is decathlon national record holder Jami Schlueter, who will make his Nigerian debut in Accra. Schlueter recently switched allegiance from Great Britain to Nigeria, and his rapid ascent has already reshaped the national record books.

On February 22, 2026, he set a new Nigerian indoor heptathlon record at the US Combined Events Championships in Indianapolis, amassing 5,871 points—good for second on the African all-time list.

Schlueter’s participation not only strengthens Nigeria’s podium prospects in the combined events but also provides valuable preparation for the Commonwealth Games in July.

The Accra championships offer Nigerian athletes a major platform to measure themselves against Africa’s finest.

Meanwhile, the 24 athletes who represented Nigeria at the World Relays have reportedly resumed camp ahead of the event, and they are expected to be joined by other invited athletes as final preparations intensify.

With a balanced squad of experienced stars and emerging talents, Nigeria looks poised for a strong medal haul, led by the indomitable Tobi Amusan.