World record holder Tobi Amusan and sprint sensation Favour Ashe will spearhead Nigeria’s medal charge at the 2026 CAA African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana, as part of a 45 athlete delegation named by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN). The championships, scheduled to hold at the Legon Sports Stadium from May 12 to 17, will feature over 1,000 athletes from about 50 African nations.
According to the AFN, Team Nigeria comprises 25 female and 20 male athletes, blending established stars with exciting new talents. Amusan, the women’s 100m hurdles world record holder and multiple African and Commonwealth champion, is expected to compete in her specialist event alongside Adaobi Tabugbo and Janet Sunday.
Nigeria’s women’s sprint unit is anchored by in form 100m runner Rosemary Chukwuma, who will double in the individual dash and the 4x100m relay. She will be joined in the relay pool by Miracle Ezechukwu, Maria Thompson Omokwe and Tejiri Ugoh as Nigeria targets the podium in the sprint relays. The women’s squad also features experienced quarter miler Patience Okon George, long jumper Ruth Usoro and hammer throw specialist Oyesade (Sade) Olatoye.
On the men’s side, Ashe leads a powerful 100m and 4x100m relay group that includes Enoch Adegoke, Usheoritse Itsekiri, Chidera Ezeakor and Tejiri Godwin. Africa’s leading shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi headlines the throws, while Romeo Bernard, Emmanuel Audu and javelin thrower Adams Samuel Kure bolster Nigeria’s field events presence. Quarter milers Samson Nathaniel, Emmanuel Ojeli and Chidi Okezie are expected to anchor the men’s 400m and relay efforts.
AFN officials say the goal in Accra is to significantly improve on Nigeria’s last continental outing and use the championships as a key build up towards the 2027 World Athletics Championships in China and the new World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest. Ashe, fresh from helping Nigeria secure global relay qualification in Gaborone, has already declared his intention to chase multiple medals in Ghana, adding extra anticipation to Nigeria’s campaign.
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