18.5.2026
The 24th CAA Senior Athletics Championships ended Sunday with a mixed bag of results for Nigerian athletes.
Navigating the Championships held at the University of Ghana Stadium Accra, Ghana without some of its elite athletes, Nigeria placed 4th on the medals table.
For Athletics Federation of Nigeria president Tonobok Okowa, it was a good outing for the country’s athletes most especially the youngsters getting their first taste of the African Championships. Okowa also stated that it was a good test for athletes preparing for the Commonwealth Games billed for July in Glasgow Scotland.
He said the victory of World record holder, Tobi Amusan, in the 100m hurdles winning the gold was simply outstanding.
He praised the women’s relay quartets for 4x100m and 4x400m as well as the 4x400m mixed relay quartet for winning gold medals.
Okowa also acknowledged the untiring and fighting spirit of double silver medalist in both 100m and 200m women, Rosemary Chukwuma, for doing the nation proud.
According to Okowa the outstanding performances of young sprinters in the team, Rosemary Nwankwo and Miracle Ezechukwu, is a pointer the future is bright for Nigerian track and field.
Chidera Ezeako is another athlete who impressed the AFN boss as clinch bronze in the fiercely contested men’s 100m.
In the field events, the AFN President commended Olatoye Oyesade, Divine Oladipupo, Obiageri Amaechi, Adams Kure and Kparika Victoria Effiom, for their individual outstanding performances.
Okowa acknowledged the sacrifices and dedication of Nigerian coaches for the great feat at the tournament.
Okowa, who appreciated the continued support of the National Sports Commission, to Nigerian athletes, said the Federation would continue to invest in the development of athletics at the grassroots level.