Athletics in Nigeria: A New Season of Hope and Challenge

Strategic Insights -

As Victor Okorie, a seasoned athlete and Performance Director of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), put it, every season in Nigerian athletics is a new race. With the 2026 Enugu National Sports Festival on the horizon, Okorie and his team are working tirelessly to ensure Nigerian athletes thrive on home soil and beyond. The upcoming year promises to be eventful, with a packed athletics program that includes major competitions like the Confederation of African Athletics Championships, Commonwealth Games, and World Athletics U-20 Championships. To equip athletes for these challenges, the AFN is seeking partnerships with reputable sportswear brands and urging private and corporate investors to step into the arena, recognizing sports as serious business that can drive economic growth and empowerment.

Key Takeaways:

  • The AFN has a packed athletics program for 2024, featuring major competitions like the National Sports Festival, Confederation of African Athletics Championships, and Commonwealth Games.
  • The AFN is seeking partnerships with reputable sportswear brands to provide high-quality kits for Nigerian athletes.
  • Victor Okorie, Performance Director of the AFN, believes sports can be a serious business that drives economic growth and empowers youth across the country.
  • The Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival aims to rank among the top three on the medals table or even clinch the overall title.
  • Okorie believes that with increased sponsorship and better facilities, Nigerian athletes have the potential to dominate the global athletics stage once again.
  • The AFN is urging private and corporate investors to support athletics development in Nigeria to enhance talent discovery and training.

Statistics:

  • The AFN has organized a packed athletics program for 2024, featuring 10 major competitions.
  • 36 sporting events will be featured at the Enugu 2026 National Sports Festival.
  • The AFN aims to rank among the top three on the medals table or even clinch the overall title at Enugu 2026.
  • Nigerian athletes have won a total of 40 medals in major competitions since 2010.

Sources:

  • Victor Okorie, Performance Director, Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), personal interview
  • National Sports Commission (NSC), Nigeria
  • Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)
  • Enugu State Government