Team Nigeria Intensifies Commonwealth Games Preparations as Asaba Camp Enters Week Two

Team Nigeria Intensifies Commonwealth Games Preparations as Asaba Camp Enters Week Two

By Admin 

Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent has intensified preparations for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games, with its six-week first-phase camping programme now in its second week in Asaba, Delta State, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The camp, organised by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), brings together a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents as part of a structured three-phase build-up to the Games. Training sessions are being held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, where athletes have been undergoing rigorous daily routines.

Head coach of the AFN, Solomon Aliyu, expressed satisfaction with the early progress recorded in camp, noting that the federation is deliberately maintaining focus as preparations gather momentum.

“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 programme,” Aliyu said.

Now in the second week of the opening phase, the emphasis has shifted from general conditioning to more event-specific drills. Sprinters, hurdlers, jumpers and throwers have begun intensifying their routines, with morning sessions largely dedicated to endurance and strength training, while evening workouts focus on technical refinement and speed development.

Camp officials explained that the six-week programme is designed to establish a solid fitness base before athletes transition into competitive simulations and international exposure ahead of the Games.

“The response from the athletes has been encouraging,” one of the coaches noted. “We are building gradually. The first two weeks are critical for fitness and team bonding, and the athletes have shown discipline and hunger.”

The conducive weather in Asaba, coupled with the stadium’s modern facilities, has been credited with creating an ideal training environment. Beyond physical preparation, camp management has placed significant emphasis on nutrition, recovery protocols and mental conditioning.

Although a number of invited athletes are yet to join the camp, Aliyu clarified that their absence is due to participation in the Niger Delta Games.

“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 NDDC Games, so after that we will have a full camp,” he added.

Despite the incomplete roster, the atmosphere within camp remains upbeat. Aliyu commended both athletes and support staff for their professionalism, highlighting the quality of accommodation, feeding arrangements and training conditions.

“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, and we have received no negative feedback,” he stated.

For many of the younger athletes, the Commonwealth Games represent a major opportunity to establish themselves on the international stage. Meanwhile, the more experienced competitors are targeting improved performances as Nigeria seeks to reassert its strength in track and field.

With four weeks remaining in the first phase of camping, the AFN is confident that its phased strategy will sharpen performance levels and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the Games. As additional athletes join the squad in the coming days, preparations are expected to intensify further.

The mood in Asaba remains focused and optimistic — a clear indication that Team Nigeria is intent on delivering a strong showing when the Commonwealth Games commence.