The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has taken a decisive step to strengthen the country’s track and field prospects ahead of a demanding 2026 season by selecting the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, as the official camping base for home-based athletes.

 

The Asaba camp will serve as the launch pad for Team Nigeria’s preparations for a packed competition calendar, including 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; and the World Junior Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States.

 

AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, led an inspection tour of the stadium alongside the federation’s Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, the Secretary, Isreal Inwang, and the Athletes’ Representative. The visit was aimed at assessing the readiness of the facilities and ensuring they meet the standards required for high-performance training ahead of the major championships.

 

A significant boost to the camping programme is the support from the Delta State Government, with Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori approving the use of the Stephen Keshi Stadium facilities free of charge. The gesture further reinforces Delta State’s reputation as one of Nigeria’s strongest supporters of sports development.

 

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

 

Addressing athletes expected to be invited to camp, Okowa assured them of the federation’s full commitment to their welfare and success, stressing that creating a stable and supportive training environment remains a key priority of the current AFN administration.

 

Speaking to journalists after the inspection, Okowa, who also serves as Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), disclosed that the federation has submitted a comprehensive response to the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) over queries relating to 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,” he said.

 

He also issued a stern warning to coaches involved in, or encouraging, sharp practices, urging them to desist or face serious sanctions, as the AFN remains determined to uphold integrity and credibility in Nigerian athletics.

 

On the report submitted by the AFN probe panel, Okowa revealed that the board would soon convene to examine and deliberate on the findings as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen governance and transparency within the sport.

 

The AFN president concluded by commending 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 represent the country at continental and global competitions.