The 2025 Nigeria National Athletics Trials, a crucial selection event for athletes aiming to represent the nation at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, are shrouded in uncertainty. Originally scheduled for July 31st to August 2nd at the MKO Abiola Stadium in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the trials are now in jeopardy due to unresolved issues regarding the stadium’s track certification by World Athletics. The lack of this vital approval has thrown the event into disarray, leaving athletes, coaches, and affiliated institutions in a state of limbo, with no concrete information on the event’s future. The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has been unable to confirm whether the trials will proceed as planned in Abeokuta, with the president, Tonobok Okowa, admitting that no official decision has been reached. This uncertainty stems from the pending certification of the stadium’s tartan track, a critical requirement for hosting a qualifying event for the World Championships.
The MKO Abiola Stadium, despite recently hosting the National Sports Festival and the CAA African U-18/U-20 Championships, has yet to receive the necessary certification from World Athletics for senior-level international qualification events. While the track has proven adequate for national and continental youth competitions, it falls short of the standards required for a meet that determines national team selection for a global event like the World Championships. This discrepancy has created a significant roadblock for the AFN, forcing them to consider alternative venues. The lack of clarity from the World Athletics governing body regarding the track’s certification has further compounded the problem, leaving the AFN in a reactive rather than proactive position. The delay in obtaining the certification has created a domino effect, impacting not only the venue but also the scheduling and logistics of the trials.
In light of the certification issues, the AFN is exploring alternative locations for the trials. Benin City and Asaba have emerged as potential replacements for Abeokuta, as sources within the federation suggest. The decision to consider these cities is influenced not only by the track certification issue but also by logistical considerations and accessibility for athletes from across the country. A more centrally located venue is believed to encourage broader participation, ensuring that athletes from all regions have a fair opportunity to compete for a spot on the national team. However, no official announcement regarding a venue change has been made, contributing to the growing uncertainty surrounding the trials.
The lack of a definitive decision regarding the venue and date of the trials has created significant challenges for athletes preparing for the event. The uncertainty makes it difficult for them to finalize their training schedules and travel arrangements. This ambiguity affects not only the athletes but also their coaches and support staff, who are equally in the dark about the event’s future. The trials serve as the primary selection platform for the World Championships, making them mandatory for all aspiring national team members, whether based at home or abroad. Non-attendance, barring medical exemptions, automatically disqualifies athletes from consideration, regardless of any pre-existing qualifying marks they may have achieved. This stringent rule underscores the importance of the trials and further amplifies the consequences of the current uncertainty.
The AFN’s handling of the situation has been criticized by some stakeholders, who argue that a more proactive approach could have averted the current crisis. The delay in securing the necessary track certification for the Abeokuta stadium raises questions about the federation’s planning and preparedness. The lack of timely communication with athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders has also exacerbated the situation, leaving them in a state of limbo. The AFN’s apparent reliance on a single venue, without a clear backup plan, has further complicated matters. This lack of foresight has now placed the entire event in jeopardy, potentially impacting Nigeria’s representation at the World Championships.
The uncertainty surrounding the 2025 Nigeria National Athletics Trials highlights the importance of meticulous planning and proactive communication in sports administration. The AFN’s current predicament serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the need for contingency plans and timely decision-making. The future of Nigeria’s participation in the World Athletics Championships now hangs in the balance, as the fate of the trials remains uncertain. The AFN faces a significant challenge in resolving the current impasse and ensuring that the trials proceed in a manner that allows athletes a fair and equitable opportunity to compete for a place on the national team. The coming days will be crucial in determining the course of action the AFN will take and ultimately, the future of Nigeria’s track and field athletes’ aspirations for the World Championships.
