Team Nigeria hits high gear in Asaba ahead of Commonwealth game
Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent has intensified its six-week opening training block at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, signaling a focused start to their Commonwealth Games campaign. Now in the second week
Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent has intensified its six-week opening training block at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, signaling a focused start to their Commonwealth Games campaign.
Now in the second week of the first phase, the camp features a strategic mix of elite veterans and rising stars. According to Solomon Aliyu, Head Coach of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), the program is meeting every benchmark for success.
The initial focus on general conditioning has now evolved. The coaching staff has introduced a rigorous dual-session structure including morning sessions with focus on endurance, core stability and heavy strength work. The evening sessions are dedicated to technical refinement, hurdles precision and explosive speed training.
“We are building a solid foundation,” one camp official noted. “The response has been encouraging. These first two weeks are critical for establishing discipline and team bonding, and the athletes are showing real hunger.”
The choice of Asaba as a host city is paying dividends. Officials have lauded the Stephen Keshi Stadium’s facilities and the region’s favorable weather for providing an optimal training environment.
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Coach Aliyu emphasized that the "off-field" conditions are just as vital as the track work :“The spirit in camp is high. From the quality of accommodation to the nutrition and top-notch training sessions, we’ve had zero negative feedback. We are deliberately maintaining a quiet focus to avoid distractions.”
While the camp is currently active, a few invited athletes are still fulfilling regional commitments. Aliyu clarified that the roster will hit 100% capacity with the conclusion of the 2026 Niger Delta Games in Benin City.
“We are expecting the remaining athletes to join us immediately after their events in the Niger Delta. Once they arrive, we will transition into a full-scale camp,” Aliyu added.
The current six-week stint is the first of a three-phase preparation strategy designed by the AFN. This initial phase aims to peak the athletes' fitness levels before they move into competitive simulations and international exposure.
With four weeks remaining in this opening block, Team Nigeria appears determined to reclaim its dominance in track and field. For the youngsters, it’s a shot at a breakthrough; for the veterans, it’s a mission to secure podium finishes and solidify Nigeria’s global standing.
