Nigeria’s athletics team for the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games has been unveiled, with African champion and Commonwealth Games medallist Chukwuebuka Enekwechi leading a 25-athlete contingent to Saudi Arabia.
The sixth edition of the Games will take place from November 7 to 21 at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium, a 22,000-capacity venue that will host some of the continent’s finest athletes.
Organised by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), the 2025 Games mark a return to the regular four-year cycle, following the 2021 edition in Konya, Turkey, which was postponed due to the pandemic.
Nigeria has previously won three silver and one bronze medal in athletics at the Islamic Solidarity Games, with a total of 11 medals across all sports in the event’s history.
Enekwechi, Africa’s record holder in the shot put, will spearhead Nigeria’s medal quest alongside Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons, a two-time African champion and Commonwealth gold medallist in the women’s discus throw. Their leadership will be pivotal to a squad combining youth and experience.
Among the men, Olympic finalist Enoch Adegoke headlines a strong sprint team that includes Chidera Ezeakor, James Emmanuel, and Caleb John in the 100m and 200m. The 400m lineup features Ezekiel Asuquo, David Akhalu, and Gafari Badmus, while Wisdom Great Musa competes in the 110m hurdles and Samuel Kure in the javelin.
On the women’s side, Anita Enaruna and Chioma Nweke lead the sprint unit, supported by Iyanuoluwa Bada and Oluebube Ezechukwu. In the 400m, veteran Patience Okon George returns, while Comfort James will contest the 800m.
In field events, Divine Oladipo joins Enekwechi in the shot put, Oyesade Olatoye returns in the hammer throw, and Victoria Kparika targets gold in the javelin. The throws squad also includes Obiageri Amaechi, Maria Omokwe, and Onyekwere-Lyons.
Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, said Nigeria’s participation aligns with a broader strategy to build towards Los Angeles 2028 after recent Olympic disappointments.
“It’s part of our National Sports Commission’s strategic planning for the Olympics,” Olopade stated.
The Nigerian team will look to improve on past performances and reaffirm the country’s standing as a powerhouse in African athletics.
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