By: Sunny Canto
Astonishing performances at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Edo State capital city were crowded spectators; coaches; athletes across Nigeria for the 2026 'Golden Leagues' which featured hundreds of Track and Field champions.
The maiden edition which was organized by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, also powered by National Sport Commission under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko (Chairman); Honorable Bukola Olopade (Director General) began in style.
Adams Kure who is famously known for his craft in Javelin as a superstar; recorded an emphatic (79.72m) in his first throw attempt following (77.80m; 79.81m; 79.72m) eventually emerged overall winner as Effiom Victoria Kparkpa led the Women category while Ezinne Johan Ozioko dominated the Hammer throw event.
In a Media chat, he said "We are beginning the calendar year on a high note; of course you will see a better version of me as we progress in this sport" he assured.
Interestingly, Team Nigeria’s build-up for a packed athletics season has shifted to top gear on Monday as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) fires the starting gun on its maiden Golden League series in Benin City.
More also, the two-day meet, scheduled for March 2nd–3rd at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, is officially listed on the World Athletics calendar and signals a bold new direction by the federation’s Technical Committee led by Technical Director, Gabriel Okon.
While the National Team athletes are currently in camp at Asaba, Delta State capital, we will be using the Golden League Series to assess the level of progress while in camp.
Notwithstanding, the Golden League is structured into three tiers: Premium, Classics, Promotional events. Also, they're designed to reward excellence while deepening the talent pool.
However, the blue-riband 100m and 400m races for both men and women headline the four Premium events, with cash rewards awaiting the winners.
Eight Classics events, including the women’s 100m hurdles, men’s 110m hurdles, men’s triple jump and javelin, women’s 800m, men’s 1,500m, women’s long jump and high jump will also attract incentives.
While the Promotional category is aimed at broadening participation and sharpening the next generation of stars, reinforcing the AFN’s renewed focus on athlete development.
Glory Jarrett soared to a massive new personal best of 12.69m, smashing her previous PB of 12.47m set last season. She finished ahead of Elizabeth Adeyaru, who recorded 12.18m, while Francess Ajagbawa secured third place with 12.03m while Hamid Sambo is the men's 1500m champion. He clocks a season's opening time of 3:58.66 for the win, beating Chimobi Augustine who clocked 4:01.64 for 2nd, while Uzor Chukwuemeka got 3rd position.
Johan Ozioko claimed victory in the women’s Hammer Throw, winning mark of 44.15m, finishing comfortably ahead of Njoku Rebecca, who secured second place with 31.24m. Favour Imaseun rounded out the podium with a throw of 18.54m.
Dickson Ughochukwu reigns supreme in the men’s Hammer Throw, launching a season’s best of 44.24m to secure victory! Emmanuel Audu followed in second place with a throw of 40.02m, while Benalah Ofuoku claimed third with 30.09m.
According to the Technical Director of AFN Gabriel Okon described the league as a crucial platform to guarantee regular competition for Nigerian athletes throughout the year, noting that consistency remains key to international success.
He also hailed AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, for backing the initiative and approving financial rewards to motivate standout athletes.
Executive chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has applauded the leadership of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), led by Chief Tonobok Okowa, for choosing Edo as host of the inaugural Golden League Series as Team Nigeria gears up for a packed athletics calendar.
Speaking at the opening of the competition, Enabulele described the hosting rights as further confirmation of Edo State’s rising profile as a hub for major national sporting events.
He commended Governor Senator Monday Okpebholo, for creating a conducive environment for sports to flourish through sustained investment in world-class facilities and youth focused development initiatives.
