Amusan, Ashe to Lead Nigeria's Charge at Africa Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana

Nigeria is sending a formidable squad to the Confederation of African Athletics Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana, signaling a strong intent to maintain its status as a continental athletics powerhouse. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has assembled a 45-athlete contingent, showcasing a strategic blend of seasoned champions and promising newcomers. This selection underscores Nigeria's commitment to nurturing talent and building a robust team for future global competitions.

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The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has unveiled a formidable 45-athlete contingent for the 2026 Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana, with world record holder Tobi Amusan leading a star-studded squad that also features sprint sensation Rosemary Chukwuma and explosive speedster Favour Ashe.

Leading the charge is none other than world record holder Tobi Amusan, whose prowess in the 100m hurdles is unparalleled in Africa. Her presence, alongside other notable athletes like sprint sensation Rosemary Chukwuma and explosive speedster Favour Ashe, sends a clear message to competitors. The team's composition, with 25 women and 20 men, reflects a balanced approach to covering all major track and field disciplines, from sprints and hurdles to field events like discus, shot put, and hammer throw.

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Team Nigeria heads into the championships with a balanced mix of proven international stars and rising talents eager to make their mark on the continental stage.

From a Nigerian perspective, this championship is more than just a competition; it's a reaffirmation of our nation's rich legacy in athletics. While Western media might focus on individual star power, for us, it's about the collective spirit and the deep-rooted tradition of excellence that permeates our sporting culture. The inclusion of athletes like Patience Okon George, Ruth Usoro, and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi highlights the depth of talent across various events, ensuring that Nigeria remains a force to be reckoned with across the board.

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At the heart of the squad is Amusan, Africa’s most decorated female hurdler and the current world record holder in the women’s 100m hurdles.

The AFN's deliberate strategy to integrate youth with experience is particularly noteworthy. This approach not only aims for immediate success in Ghana but also lays the groundwork for sustained dominance in future continental and global championships. The anticipation is palpable as Nigerians eagerly await the performances of their athletes, confident that they will once again make the nation proud on the African stage.

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The quartet is expected to be among the favourites in the sprint relay event given Nigeria’s rich tradition in short-distance races at the African Championships.