Nigeria’s track and field athletes have intensified calls for urgent reforms, decrying what they describe as neglect, inconsistent competition structures, and inadequate funding from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, warning that their development is being stifled at a critical stage, The PUNCH reports.

The concerns come amid continued reliance on established home-based and foreign-based athletes, particularly those in the United States collegiate system, while many at the grassroots level struggle for opportunities to compete and develop.

Golden League hopes collapse

The federation’s attempt to revive the AFN Golden League, initially seen as a turning point for domestic athletics, has instead become a symbol of the wider challenges facing the sport.

Ahead of the opening leg in Benin City in early March 2026, the AFN announced an attractive prize structure to boost participation and performance. Premium events such as the 100m and 400m carried ₦100,000 for first place, ₦80,000 for second, and ₦60,000 for third, with financial rewards extending to sixth position. Classic and promotional events were also structured to provide both prize money and exposure.

However, after the successful staging of the Benin leg, the initiative stalled. The second leg, scheduled for Lagos on March 18–19, and the third leg billed for Abuja/Kaduna from April 3–4, were never held, with no official communication explaining the cancellations.

Athletes say the silence has deepened frustration, particularly as some are still awaiting payments from the only completed leg.

The situation has reinforced a growing perception that domestic competitions are not being prioritised, with the federation instead focusing on international qualification events such as the World Relays and the Commonwealth Games.

Grassroots athletes hit hardest

Several grassroots athletes told The PUNCH that the lack of regular competition has disrupted their training, slowed their development, and created mental strain.

Sprinter Janet Aadesiyan described how the lack of competitions has left her at a disadvantage compared to athletes abroad, who benefit from structured indoor and outdoor seasons.

“Here in Nigeria, I have only competed twice this year, and it is really affecting me,” Aadesiyan said.

“Unlike the athletes abroad, they have been competing since last year indoors, and this year they have started competing outdoors as well.”

Her comments highlight a widening gap between Nigeria-based athletes and their international counterparts, where consistent competition is central to performance development.

Aadesiyan also pointed to the psychological toll of inactivity, particularly in a system where external pressures can be intense.

“AFN should please organise competitions. We know they are trying and doing their best to put things in place, but most of us do not have much time in chasing our dreams because our parents see it as a waste of time when there are no results,” she added.

Long jumper and sprinter Victoria Ejembi echoed similar concerns, stressing that training alone cannot replace the benefits of competition.

“The limited number of local competitions in Nigeria has affected both my readiness and my progression as an athlete,” Ejembi stated.

“Competition is a key part of development. It is where you test your training, gain experience, and improve performance over time.”

Ejembi explained that without frequent competition, athletes struggle to track progress and reach peak condition.

She said, “Without regular competitions, it becomes difficult to track progress, build consistency, and reach peak form. Athletes competing abroad have more frequent opportunities to compete, which helps them improve faster and stay competitive.”

Trust and accountability

Beyond scheduling issues, she also raised concerns about trust and accountability, citing unpaid prize money from the Golden League.

“In one of the competitions, I placed fourth in the long jump, and the first six athletes were meant to receive cash rewards. However, up until now, that payment has not been made,” Ejembi added.

According to her, such experiences reduce motivation and confidence in the system.

She lamented, “When commitments are not fulfilled, it affects motivation and reduces trust. Irregular competitions also disrupt training plans and limit opportunities to gain exposure.”

Sprinter Ogunnaike Adegoke provided further insight into the structural challenges, particularly the absence of a predictable calendar.

“With the limited number of competitions, we have to train with no direction,” Adegoke said.

“Since there is no specific date for an upcoming competition, most times we have to change our training programmes so we do not burn out before a competition suddenly surfaces.”

He explained that athletics training follows distinct phases, and constant disruptions force athletes to restart their preparation cycles.

Adegoke added, “Because of the inconsistencies, we might have to change our phases and go back to square one instead of continuing our programme.”

Financial realities also compound the problem, with athletes often forced to balance training with other work.

“Sometimes I have had to leave training to do other things in my life because since there is no pending competition, I might as well find something to do to make money. AFN is not going to feed me, I have to fend for myself,” he said.

He also criticised the scheduling of cancelled Golden League events, noting that some were fixed on major holidays, leading to postponements.

“There were supposed to be five Golden League meets, but only one was held. The others were placed on Sallah and Easter, and that resulted in postponement. It almost seems like it was planned that way,” Adegoke said.

“Sometimes you travel long distances and discover there will not be electronic timing, so none of the times you run will be uploaded on the World Athletics profile.”

Elite athletes demand better structure

At the elite level, leading sprinters have also voiced concerns, emphasising that stronger domestic competition is essential to reduce reliance on foreign-based athletes.

Two-time national champion and Olympic finalist Enoch Adegoke highlighted the importance of building competitive rivalries within Nigeria.

He said that recent head-to-head contests among home-based athletes, particularly him and Chidera Ezeakor, have shown promise.

“One of the goals is that there will be faster times on the home scene as well, not just abroad. Everybody is bringing their A-game and everyone is running faster times,” Adegoke told our correspondent.

However, the Olympian stressed that achieving this requires significant investment.

“We need more support. Financial support and more competitions,” Adegoke said.

“Those are the two major things we need. We spend a lot to come and compete. It is not just about going to the track.”

Current National Sports Festival 100m champion Ezeakor also underlined the value of strong domestic competition in sharpening performance.

He described recent races against his “boss” Adegoke as evidence of what is possible when athletes are pushed by quality opposition.

“That is the kind of competition I want. The previous ones did not seem as tough as this one because I am prepared to face any challenge. This is the kind of competition I need to be having,” Ezeakor told our correspondent.

The 2026 AFN Golden League sprint double winner added that competing alongside top rivals provides both motivation and confidence.

“Having him [Enoch Adegoke] at my left side, I felt encouraged because I know he is a fast guy and he is my boss. I was like, ‘Man, we are going to do this together.’”