Enekwechi To Lead Nigeria’s Athletics Squad To 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games In Saudi Arabia
African champion and Commonwealth Games medallist Chukwuebuka Enekwechi has been announced as the leader of Nigeria’s 25-man athletics team heading to the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia.
The official Games website confirmed Nigeria’s full athletics list for the competition, which will run from November 7 to November 21 at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium — a 22,000-capacity arena set to welcome top athletes from across the Islamic world.
The 2025 edition marks a return to the four-year cycle following the COVID-related delay that pushed the 2021 games in Turkey to 2022. Nigeria will be hoping to surpass their previous record in athletics where they picked up three silver medals and one bronze back in 2017. Across all sports, the nation has claimed 11 medals in the history of the Games.
Shot put star Enekwechi, who holds the African record, is expected to lead the charge for podium finishes, while two-time African champion and Commonwealth gold winner Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons will headline the women’s throw events, especially in discus.
MEN’S TEAM
Nigeria’s sprint department remains strong with Olympic finalist Enoch Adegoke leading the 100m and 200m lineup alongside Chidera Ezeakor, James Emmanuel and Caleb John. The quarter-mile group includes Ezekiel Asuquo, David Akhalu and Gafari Badmus for the 400m.
Afoke Oshasha will feature in both long jump and sprint events, while Wisdom Great Musa battles in the 110m hurdles. Samuel Kure completes the male throws squad with javelin.
WOMEN’S TEAM
On the women’s side, Anita Enaruna and Chioma Nweke lead the short sprint team with support from Iyanuoluwa Bada and Oluebube Ezechukwu. Comfort James goes in the 800m, while experienced quarter-miler Patience Okon George takes part in the 400m.
Divine Oladipo joins Enekwechi in shot put. Oyesade Olatoye returns for hammer throw, while three-time national champion Victoria Kparika is set for the javelin. Temitope Ademola participates in long jump. The women’s throws department also has Obiageri Amaechi in discus along with Maria Omokwe and Onyekwere-Lyons adding even more quality.
NIGERIA EYE IMPROVEMENT
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, described the Games as a key part of Nigeria’s rebuilding and Olympic preparation pathway heading towards LA 2028.
“It fits into our strategic Olympic plan,” Olopade said. “This is another chance for Nigeria to showcase its strength, and we believe this team has the quality to deliver in Saudi Arabia.”
Nigeria’s athletics contingent is expected to arrive with the mindset of rewriting history and raising the country’s medal haul at the Islamic Games.
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