Golden League Kicks Off In Benin As 412 Athletes Battle For Glory

The Golden League Season Opener has officially commenced in Benin City, with no fewer than 412 athletes competing in a thrilling two-day athletics spectacle at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium.

Executive chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has applauded the leadership of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), led by Chief Tonobok Okowa, for choosing Edo as host of the inaugural Golden League Series as Team Nigeria gears up for a packed athletics calendar.

Speaking at the opening of the competition, Enabulele described the hosting rights as further confirmation of Edo State’s rising profile as a hub for major national sporting events.

He commended Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, for creating a conducive environment for sports to flourish through sustained investment in world-class facilities and youth focused development initiatives.

According to him, Edo’s consistent commitment to sports development continues to yield tangible results, citing the state’s recent triumph at the second edition of the Niger Delta Games, tagged: “Edo2026,” where Team Edo secured an impressive 52 gold medals.

With the meet officially listed on the World Athletics calendar, Enabulele noted that the competition is expected to stimulate economic activity while providing athletes and coaches a vital platform to measure performance levels ahead of international engagements.

The two-day event, running from March 2–3, features 28 events across men’s and women’s categories. National team athletes currently camping in Asaba are using the meet to assess their preparedness for upcoming assignments.

The prestigious men’s and women’s 100m and 400m races headline the premium events, with attractive cash prizes on offer.

Other classic events attracting financial incentives include the women’s 100m hurdles, men’s 110m hurdles, men’s triple jump, javelin throw, women’s 800m, men’s 1,500m, women’s long jump, and the high jump setting the stage for an electrifying start to the Golden