Team Nigeria Athletics have stepped up preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games.
The camp, which brings together a blend of seasoned campaigners and promising young talents, has already begun to take shape with rigorous training sessions at the Stephen Keshi Stadium.
Coaches and technical officials have expressed satisfaction with the athletes’ commitment, noting that the early signs point to a productive build-up.
The head coach of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Solomon Aliyu, has expressed satisfaction with the progress made so far in the first phase of preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games camp in Asaba.
Aliyu revealed that the federation is deliberately maintaining focus as athletes begin their build-up in earnest.
“We don’t want to be distracted. So far, so good. The camp is in three phases and this is the first phase of the camp,” he said.
Now in week two of the first phase, the focus has shifted from general conditioning to more event-specific drills, as sprinters, jumpers, throwers and hurdles intensify their routines.
Morning sessions are largely dedicated to endurance and strength work, while evenings feature technical refinement and speed training.
Camp officials say the six-week programme is designed to lay a solid foundation before the team transitions into more competitive simulations and international exposure ahead of the Games.
“The response from the athletes has been encouraging,” one of the coaches remarked. “We are building gradually. The first two weeks are critical for fitness and team bonding, and the athletes have shown discipline and hunger.”
Asaba’s conducive weather and world-class facilities have also been credited for creating the right environment for preparation.
The athletes have settled into camp life, with emphasis placed not only on physical readiness but also on nutrition, recovery and mental strength.
Aliyu said, the current phase is laying the foundation for what is expected to be a comprehensive and competitive preparation programme. While a number of invited athletes are yet to report to camp, he explained that their absence is due to national commitments elsewhere.
“We are expecting more to join the camp after the Niger Delta Games. Some of the athletes called to camp are taking part in the Niger Delta Games, so after the NDDC Games we will have a full camp,” Aliyu added.
Despite not having a complete squad at this stage, the mood within the camp remains upbeat.
The coach commended both the athletes and the support staff for their professionalism and commitment, noting that conditions have been conducive for optimal performance.
“The spirit in camp is very high. The quality of accommodation is good and the quality of training is top notch. The feeding is good, no negative feedback,” he stated.
For many of the younger athletes, the Commonwealth Games present an opportunity to announce themselves on the big stage, while the experienced stars are determined to improve on previous performances and restore Nigeria’s dominance in track and field.
With morale high and facilities meeting expectations, the AFN appears confident that the phased camping strategy will help fine-tune Nigeria’s athletes ahead of the global showpiece.
As more competitors arrive after the Niger Delta Games, attention will shift toward sharpening performance levels and building team cohesion as Nigeria aims for a strong outing at the Commonwealth Games.
With four more weeks remaining in the first phase, expectations are high that Team Nigeria Athletics will emerge sharper, stronger and fully prepared to compete for medals when the Commonwealth Games begin.
As the countdown continues, the mood in camp remains focused and optimistic, a clear signal that Nigeria’s track and field contingent means business.
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