Team Nigeria picks Asaba as camp for major global events

THE Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has issued a stern warning to athletes and coaches against age falsification and doping, signalling a renewed push to clean up the country’s athletics. This warning comes as Team Nigeria intensifies preparations for major international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the World Athletics Championships.

Speaking during a visit to the Delta State Commission in Asaba, yesterday, where the federation sought approval to camp national athletes at the Stephen Keshi International Stadium, AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, said: “Anyone found guilty of age falsification or doping will face sanctions in line with international athletics regulations.”

Okowa added that the federation had adopted strict monitoring mechanisms to detect and deter malpractice.
He, however, insisted that the federation is charting a different course, promising a long-term athlete development strategy designed to produce globally competitive and ethically compliant performers.

“Our vision is to position Team Nigeria athletes to compete successfully against their counterparts worldwide, not just in performance but in integrity,” he said.
Okowa disclosed that Team Nigeria athletes will begin a three-phase camping programme in Asaba, starting next week with an intensive six-week training phase.

A second six-week programme is scheduled for June, while a final phase later in the year will focus on preparations for the World Athletics Championships slated for next year.
He said that the Asaba camp is expected to serve as a central hub for technical training, conditioning, and performance assessment, as Nigeria seeks to improve its international medal haul amid growing competition from African and global rivals.

Following Okowa’s plea, the chairman of the Delta State Sports Commission, Onoriode Oborevwori, approved the request and pledged full institutional support for AFN’s programme.
He said the state would collaborate closely with the AFN to ensure a productive and “memorable” training camp for the athletes.

Oborevwori also described the Stephen Keshi International Stadium as a world-class facility capable of hosting elite-level training activities, promising that the commission would strengthen logistical and technical support for the national team.