Islamic Games: Team Nigeria banks on young stars to win medals

Femi Fabunmi

Nigeria’s head coach for athletics, Solomon Aliyu, says the country’s young team is ready to perform well at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia, even without some of its top stars.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) confirmed that 17 athletes will represent the country in athletics after reducing the original 25-man list.

Some top athletes, including Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Africa’s shot put record holder, and Divine Oladipo, withdrew from the competition for personal reasons.

Despite these withdrawals, Coach Aliyu is confident in the team’s potential.
“We’re preparing the next generation of athletes to take responsibility and make their mark. Many of them are already showing great promise both locally and internationally,” he said.

Aliyu also believes Nigeria’s athletes can compete with strong teams from Bahrain, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar.

“Athletics is about measurable performance. Our athletes are determined and focused, and I believe they can match or even surpass the best from other nations,” he added.

The team is currently camping in Abuja and will leave for Saudi Arabia on November 13.

Enekwechi reportedly withdrew because of his wedding plans in the United States, while Oladipo pulled out for personal reasons.

An AFN official explained that the reduction in the list was due to availability, not punishment.

“We sent a long list, but after confirming, some athletes couldn’t make it,” the official said.
Nigeria’s 17-Athlete Squad

Men:
Chidera Ezeakor, Caleb John, James Emmanuel – 100m, 200m, 4x100m relay
David Akhalu, Gafari Badmus, Ezekiel Asuquo – 400m, 4x400m relay
Samuel Kure, Victoria Kparika – Javelin throw

Women:
Chioma Nweke, Anita Enaruna, Maria Omokwe, Miracle Ezechukwu, Iyanuoluwa Bada, Patience George – 100m, 200m, relays
Oyesade Olatoye – Hammer throw
Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons, Obiageri Amaechi – Discus throw
Team Officials
Gabriel Okon – Technical Director
Solomon Aliyu – Head Coach
Gabriel Opuana – Throws Coach
Akinpelu Saheed – Sprints Coach
Inwang Israel – Secretary General

The Islamic Solidarity Games will be held from November 7 to 21 at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia.

The event will feature top athletes from across the Islamic world.

Nigeria hopes to beat its 2017 record when it won four medals in athletics  three silver and one bronze its best result so far at the Games.