Monday, September 28, 2026

African Games: Sports minister charges Nigerian athletes to light up tracks

Nigeria is second behind Egypt on the medals table at the ongoing 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.

• March 17, 2024
NUGA games 2022
Athletes at NUGA games used to illustrate the story

The Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, has charged Nigerian athletes to make a significant impact as the track and field event of the ongoing African Games starts on Monday.

Enoh spoke on Sunday in Accra when he visited the athletes ahead of the commencement of the highly anticipated track and field events.

He expressed confidence in the team’s ability to make Nigeria proud, urging them not to waiver in their pursuit of excellence and dominance over rival teams like Egypt.

“I am charging the entire contingent to keep the chase on Egypt and steer clear of the others behind them,” said Enoh.

“I am sure in athletics, our athletes will bring their A-game and show their dominance,” Enoh added.

Nigeria, with a formidable contingent of 54 top athletes, hopes to boost their medal haul when they hit the tracks on Monday in Ghana.

Expected to lead the charge for Nigeria is

Tobiloba Amusan, the world record holder in the 100m hurdles event, her unrivalled dominance will be put to test again as she seeks to further solidify her legacy in African athletics.

Another standout athlete, Ese Brume, will be aiming to reclaim her title as the queen of the African long jump; joining them are other esteemed athletes, including Ruth Usoro and Favour Ofili.

On the men’s side, Enoch Adegoke, Seye Ogunlewe, Alaba Akintola, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Samson Nathaniel, and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi are among the top contenders ready to showcase their prowess on the track and field.

Nigeria is second behind Egypt on the medals table at the ongoing 13th African Games in Accra, Ghana.

(NAN)

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.

More from Peoples Gazette

farmers

Agriculture

FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology

The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices

Katsina State

Politics

Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku

“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”

Olusegun Obasanjo

Africa

UN chief backs Obasanjo-led AU’s renewed peace efforts in Ethiopia

Mr Guterres endorsed the African Union’s mediation led by Olusegun Obasanjo as escalating fighting in northern Ethiopia raises fears of a broader conflict.

Super Eagles arrive in Bissau

Sport

Super Eagles arrive in Bissau ahead of AFCON 2027 qualifier

Only the group winner will secure an AFCON 2027 qualification ticket, with Tanzania already qualified as a co-host.

Ahmed Sulu-Gambari

World

Envoy calls for shift from diplomatic meetings to economic action

Mr Sulu-Gambari called for stronger economic diplomacy to translate Nigeria-Malaysia relations into concrete trade, investment and development outcomes.

Shettima disembarking from plane

Abuja

Shettima returns to Nigeria after UNGA81

Vice-President Kashim Shettima has returned to Nigeria after representing President Bola Tinubu at the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, held in New York.

Fortune FA

Sport

Grassroots: Fortune FA maintain perfect run in Nathaniel Idowu U-16 League

Fortune FA maintained their perfect run in the Nathaniel Idowu U-16 Football League with a 6-0 victory over Bright Stars SA in Week 4.

Flooded Ebonyi

States

Ebonyi govt cautions opposition against politicising flood disaster

The Ebonyi government on Sunday cautioned opposition groups against politicising natural disasters or exploiting victims’ plight for partisan purposes.