Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent has stepped up preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games as the six-week first phase of its camping programme entered week two in Asaba, Delta State.
The camp, holding at the , has brought together a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents, all focused on building momentum ahead of the global multi-sport event.
From the outset, the intensity has been evident. Structured morning endurance sessions and strength conditioning drills now dominate the early hours, while evenings are dedicated to speed refinement and event-specific technical work across sprints, hurdles, jumps and throws.
Aliyu Satisfied with Early Progress
Head Coach of the (AFN), Solomon Aliyu, expressed satisfaction with the progress recorded so far, describing the opening phase as deliberate and foundational.
“We don’t want distractions. So far, so good. The camp is structured in three phases, and this is the first phase,”Aliyu said, emphasising that the technical team is intentionally laying a solid fitness and conditioning base before transitioning into competitive simulations.
According to officials, the first two weeks are critical, not just for physical readiness but also for team cohesion. Athletes have responded positively, showing discipline, hunger and professional commitment.
Structured Programme, Clear Objectives
Photo: Nigerian Javelin Athlete Dazzles in smile
The six-week opening phase is designed to establish endurance, strength and tactical sharpness before the squad progresses into advanced race modelling and potential international exposure.
Morning sessions are largely endurance-driven, while evenings focus on biomechanics, relay coordination, hurdle rhythm consistency and explosive power drills for field athletes.
Camp officials also confirmed that preparations extend beyond track work. Equal emphasis is being placed on nutrition, injury prevention, recovery protocols and mental conditioning.
Aliyu noted that while not all invited athletes are currently in camp, their absence is due to participation in the Niger Delta Games.
“We are expecting more athletes to join us after the Niger Delta Games. Once that concludes, we will have a full camp,” he added.
Despite the temporary shortfall in numbers, morale within the camp remains high.
“The spirit is excellent. Accommodation is good, feeding is good, and training conditions are top-notch. We’ve received no negative feedback,” the coach stated.
Blending Experience and Youth
For Nigeria’s seasoned campaigners, the Commonwealth Games represent another opportunity to improve on previous performances and reassert Nigeria’s historic strength in track and field.
For younger athletes, the camp offers exposure to elite-level preparation and a platform to stake a claim for international selection.
With four weeks remaining in this phase, expectations are building that Team Nigeria will emerge sharper, stronger and tactically refined ahead of the Games.
As the countdown continues, the mood in Asaba is focused, disciplined and optimistic which is a clear signal that Nigeria’s athletics contingent is intent on delivering a strong medal challenge.
Team Nigeria Athletics Camp – Asaba
Athletes
100/200m
- Chidera Ezeakor
100m Hurdles (Women)
- Jenet Sunday
- Precious Uduvweghre
110m Hurdles (Men)
- Musa Wisdom Great
- Abdulaziz Abdullahi
400m
- Toteebat Jimoh
- Ezekiel Asuquo
- Emmanuel Ojeli
- Samson Nathaniel
- Victor Ime
- Esther Okon Peter
- Emmanuel Salubi (H)
Javelin
- Victoria Kparika
- Samuel Kure
High Jump
- Edet Clergy
Long Jump
- Rukewe Nwagbogwu
Shot Put
- Dickson Ugochukwu
Triple Jump
- Olaoluwa Akindunbi
Coaches
- Gabriel Okon — Long Sprint & Relay
- Solomon Aliyu — Hurdles
- Ken Onuaguluchi — Throws
- Kola Adebayo — Vertical Jumps
- George Obiano — Horizontal Jumps
- Esabunor Mavouh
Support Staff
Chaperon
- Olapade Lawal
Medical Team
- Derrick Akhafa
- Francis Eramu
Secretariat
- Taldang Tanimu
