By our reporter 28.10.2026
With entries now closed for the 8h Government College Ughelli Relays, technical coordinator Commodore Omatseye Nesiama rtd, has pointed out that the track facility needs to be fixed for the meet billed for November 14.
Navy Commodore Nesiama made the observation after an inspection tour of the facilities in the company of Prof Jeff Okpako who is Nigeria Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO) president.
The inspection team identified several sections requiring urgent attention, raising concerns about the safety of athletes expected to compete at the event.
Among the major defects are potholes on the track, erosion affecting lane one and damage to the 100-metre section and home straight. The condition of these areas has prompted calls for immediate intervention before the competition gets underway.
Nesiama acknowledged the scale of the challenge but expressed hope that the most critical defects could be addressed before the November 14 deadline.
“Unfortunately, a couple of places look bad. But we will see what we can do before November 14, 2026,” he said.
He warned that the damaged sections could expose athletes to avoidable risks, particularly in races where the condition of the track is crucial to performance and safety.
“There are a few potholes that can create serious safety issues. Even the 100m area and the home straight need retouching. Erosion has taken over some portion of lane one. It could be dangerous to the athletes,” Nesiama cautioned.
The home straight, where athletes complete their races, is receiving particular attention, with plans underway to engage specialists to repair its worst sections.
However, the challenge extends beyond temporary repairs. The technical team has urged corporate Nigeria to support the construction of a new tartan track, noting that the existing facility is now a decade old.
The GCU Relays was established by the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA) to restore the tradition of intercollegiate athletics in Nigeria and provide young athletes with a platform to compete.
This year’s edition is expected to feature several prominent legacy schools, with Edo College, Benin City, joining previous participants Idia College, Benin City, among the institutions invited.
Other schools on the list include:
Federal Government College, Warri, Urhobo College, Effurun, James Welch Grammar School, Emevor, St. Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe, St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, among others.