The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), has taken a decisive step to strengthen the country’s track and field prospects ahead of a busy 2026 season, selecting the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba as the official training camp for home-based athletes.
The AFN, in a statement by its Media Committee Chairman, Maxwell Kumoye, said the federation, with the National Sports Commission (NSC), had selected the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
“The camp base is for home-based athletes preparing for major national and international championships this year,” Kumoye said. “It will serve as the launch pad for Team Nigeria’s preparations for a packed calendar.”
“These include 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 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland in July. It also includes the World Junior Athletics Championships in Oregon, United States in August,” Kumoye added.
He added that the AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, led an inspection tour of the stadium alongside the federation’s Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, federation scribe Isreal Inwang, and Athletes’ Representative on the board, Henry Okorie.
“The visit was aimed at ensuring that the stadium and supporting infrastructure meet the standards required for high-performance training ahead of the crucial competitions,” he added.
Kumoye noted that a major boost to the camping programme came from funding by the National Sports Commission and support from Delta State Governor, Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, who approved the use of facilities at Stephen Keshi Stadium.
“Okowa particularly appreciated the Chairman and Director-General of the NSC, Malam Shehu Dikko and Chief Bukola Olopade, for their massive support to the federation and this camping programme,” he noted.
The AFN President said the camping exercise would be conducted in phases and closely supervised by the federation’s Technical Committee to ensure effective monitoring, proper conditioning, and gradual build-up of athletes across different events and age categories.
Okowa assured invited home-based athletes of the federation’s full commitment to their welfare and overall success, stressing that creating a stable and supportive environment remains a top priority of the current administration.
On the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) age probe, Okowa said the federation had already submitted a comprehensive response to the AIU regarding alleged 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 is a continuous process to discourage any age cheat,” he said.
The Vice Chairman of the NCAA said the federation frowned at age cheats and would take further measures to nip such practices in the bud. Okowa issued a stern warning to coaches involved in, or encouraging, sharp practices, urging them to desist or face serious sanctions from the federation.
He commended the Delta State Government and the Chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Joshua Oborevwori, for their hospitality and support. He described Asaba as a welcoming and conducive environment for Nigerian athletes preparing to fly the nation’s flag on the continental and global stage.