AFN convenes 412 athletes in Benin city for inaugural Golden League Opener
By Uzor Odigbo
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has launched its maiden Golden League series, drawing more than 412 athletes to Benin City.
The two-day competition, scheduled for March 2–3 at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, is officially listed on the World Athletics calendar. It marks a bold new direction for the federation under the Technical Committee, led by Technical Director Gabriel Okon.
Athletes entered 28 events across men’s and women’s categories in what promises to be a high-energy showcase. Those currently in camp in Asaba will use the meet to gauge their progress.
Competition kicks off at 8:00 a.m. on Monday (March 2), with the women’s 5,000m final setting the tone.
The Golden League is structured in three tiers: Premium, Classics, and Promotional. These tiers aim to reward excellence while deepening Nigeria’s talent pool.
The four Premium events—headlined by the blue-riband men’s and women’s 100m and 400m—offer cash prizes to winners.
Eight Classics events will also feature incentives: 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.
The Promotional category focuses on broadening participation and honing emerging talent, underscoring the AFN’s renewed emphasis on athlete development.
AFN Technical Director Gabriel Okon described the league as a vital platform to ensure regular competition for Nigerian athletes year-round, emphasizing that consistency is essential for international success.
He commended AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa for supporting the initiative and approving financial rewards to motivate top performers.
