Nigeria’s athletics team for the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games has been officially unveiled, with African champion and Commonwealth Games medallist Chukwuebuka Enekwechi set to lead a 25-athlete contingent to the competition in Saudi Arabia.The Games, which mark the sixth edition of the Islamic Solidarity Games, will run from November 7 to 21 at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium, a 22,000-capacity venue expected to host some of Africa’s top athletes.Organised by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association, the event returns to its normal four-year cycle after the 2021 edition in Konya, Turkey, was postponed to 2022 due to the pandemic.
Nigeria will be looking to improve on its modest record in athletics at the Games, having secured three silver and one bronze medal in 2017 — the only time the country reached the podium in track and field. In total, Nigeria has won 11 medals across various sports in the history of the competition.Enekwechi, Africa’s record holder in the men’s shot put, is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s medal push. He will be joined by Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons, a two-time African champion and Commonwealth gold medallist who holds the African record in the women’s discus throw. Their experience and leadership are seen as vital to a squad that blends youth and experience across multiple disciplines.Among the men, Nigeria’s sprinting strength remains strong, led by Olympic finalist Enoch Adegoke, alongside Chidera Ezeakor, James Emmanuel, and Caleb John in the 100m and 200m events. Ezekiel Asuquo, David Akhalu, and Gafari Badmus will compete in the 400m.
Afoke Oshasha adds versatility in the long jump and sprints, while Wisdom Great Musa will contest the 110m hurdles. Samuel Kure completes the men’s lineup in the javelin throw.The women’s team will feature Anita Enaruna and Chioma Nweke leading the sprint unit, with Iyanuoluwa Bada and Oluebube Ezechukwu also competing in the short sprints.
Comfort James will represent Nigeria in the 800m, while veteran Patience Okon George will take on the 400m.In the field events, Divine Oladipo will compete in the shot put alongside Enekwechi, and Oyesade Olatoye returns in the hammer throw after previous continental success.
Victoria Kparika, a three-time national champion, will aim for gold in the javelin, joined by Temitope Ademola in the long jump. Obiageri Amaechi, another discus specialist, will also feature alongside Onyekwere-Lyons and Maria Omokwe.Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, said Nigeria’s participation is part of a long-term development strategy to strengthen the country’s performance ahead of the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. It’s part of our National Sports Commission’s strategic planning for the Olympics,” Olopade explained.
The Islamic Solidarity Games represent a great opportunity for Nigeria to showcase our talent on the global stage, and we believe this team has what it takes to excel.