Team Nigeria Athletics has intensified preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Games as their six-week first-phase training camp entered its second week in Asaba, with athletes and coaches reporting positive progress.

The camp at Stephen Keshi Stadium brings together a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, with a phased programme designed to gradually build fitness, technical skill, and team cohesion.

Head Coach of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Solomon Aliyu, expressed satisfaction with the camp’s progress, noting that the initial phase focuses on general conditioning before transitioning into event-specific drills. “So far, so good. The camp is in three phases, and this is the first. The response from athletes has been encouraging,” Aliyu said.

Morning sessions emphasize endurance and strength, while evenings are devoted to technical refinement, speed work, and event-specific exercises for sprinters, jumpers, throwers, and hurdlers. Aliyu highlighted the importance of nutrition, recovery, and mental preparation in addition to physical readiness.

Several athletes are yet to join the camp as they participate in the Niger Delta Games, but their arrival in the coming weeks will complete the squad, ensuring full participation in the final stages of the first phase.

Athletes at the camp expressed optimism and focus. Footballer Chidera Ezeakor and hurdler Musa Wisdom Great are among those determined to translate rigorous training into medals, while younger athletes like Jenet Sunday and Precious Uduvweghre view the Games as a platform to announce themselves on the international stage.

The coaching team, including Gabriel Okon (sprints & relays), Ken Onuaguluchi (throws), Kola Adebayo (vertical jumps), George Obiano (horizontal jumps), and Esabunor Mavouh, has praised the professionalism and discipline of the athletes.

Medical and support staff, including Derrick Akhafa, Francis Eramu, and chaperon Olapade Lawal, have been credited with maintaining optimal camp conditions, while the secretariat, led by Taldang Tanimu, ensures smooth operations.

With four weeks remaining in the first phase, the AFN is confident that the phased training strategy will fine-tune Team Nigeria Athletics for a strong medal contention at the Commonwealth Games, reinforcing Nigeria’s ambitions to reclaim dominance in track and field.