Nigeria’s Young Athletes Poised for Strong Showing at 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games Despite Star Absences

Nigeria’s athletics head coach, Solomon Aliyu, has expressed confidence in the country’s youthful squad ahead of the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia, even as several key athletes will be missing from the lineup.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) confirmed that only 17 athletes will represent the nation, down from an initial 25, following late withdrawals. Among those absent are African shot put record holder Chukwuebuka Enekwechi and US-based thrower Divine Oladipo.

Coach Aliyu, however, emphasized that the focus remains on nurturing the next generation of Nigerian athletes. “We are preparing the next generation to take responsibility now so they can dominate the stage in the near future,” he said.

He added that the majority of the team are emerging talents already making their mark in domestic and international competitions. “These young athletes are beginning to establish themselves in athletics and represent the promising future of Nigerian sports,” Aliyu noted.

Despite facing traditionally strong nations such as Bahrain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, Aliyu remains optimistic. “Track and field is measurable. I’m confident our athletes can compete with, and even surpass, their Arab counterparts with focus and determination.”

Currently in training camp in Abuja, the team is scheduled to depart for Saudi Arabia on November 13. Enekwechi reportedly withdrew due to personal commitments ahead of his wedding in the United States, while Oladipo’s absence was for undisclosed reasons. A top federation official clarified that the reduction in numbers was due to availability, not disciplinary action.

Nigeria’s 17-athlete squad includes a mix of home-based and foreign-based competitors across sprints, relays, and field events. Men’s representatives include Chidera Ezeakor, Caleb John, and James Emmanuel in the 100m, 200m, and 4x100m relay; David Akhalu, Gafari Badmus, and Ezekiel Asuquo in the 400m and 4x400m relay; and Samuel Kure and Victoria Kparika in javelin.

The women’s team features sprinters Chioma Nweke, Anita Enaruna, Maria Omokwe, Miracle Ezechukwu, Iyanuoluwa Bada, and veteran Patience George in 100m, 200m, and relay events. Oyesade Olatoye will compete in the hammer throw, while Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons and Obiageri Amaechi are entered in discus.

Officials traveling with the team include Gabriel Okon as technical director, Aliyu as head coach, Gabriel Opuana for throws, Akinpelu Saheed for sprints, and Inwang Israel as secretary general.

The Games will run from November 7 to 21 at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia. Nigeria aims to surpass its best previous performance at the competition—four medals, including three silver and one bronze, won in 2017.