Nigeria’s athletics team for the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games has been unveiled on the event’s official website, with African champion and Commonwealth Games medallist, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi leading a 25-athlete contingent determined to make dominate in Saudi Arabia.
The sixth edition of the Games will be staged from November 7 to 21 at the Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium, a 22,000-capacity venue expected to host some of the continent’s finest athletes.
Organised by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), this year’s edition is a return to the event’s regular four-year cycle after the 2021 Games in Konya, Turkey, were postponed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nigeria has a modest record in athletics at the Islamic Solidarity Games, having won three silver and one bronze medal in 201, which is the only edition where the nation reached the track and field podium.
Overall, Nigeria has claimed 11 medals across all sports in the competition’s history.
The 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games will bring together athletes from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries, featuring 21 sports and two para-sports.
This will also be the second time Saudi Arabia hosts the event, following the inaugural edition in 2005.
Enekwechi and Onyekwere-Lyons to Anchor Throws Team
African record holder, Enekwechi, one of the continent’s most consistent performers in the shot put, will spearhead Nigeria’s medal push.
He will be joined by Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons, a two-time African champion and Commonwealth gold medallist who also holds the African record in the women’s discus throw.
Strong Sprint Representation at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games
Among the men, Nigeria’s sprinting tradition remains strong in the 100m and 200m events. A formidable sprint lineup that includes;
- Olympic finalist Enoch Adegoke
- Chidera Ezeakor, James Emmanuel, and
- Caleb John
In the 400m, Ezekiel Asuquo, David Akhalu, and Gafari Badmus will carry the nation’s hopes, while Afoke Oshasha will feature in both the long jump and sprints.
Wisdom Great Musa is entered for the 110m hurdles, and Samuel Kure completes the men’s roster in the javelin throw.
Women’s Team Rep. at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games
On the women’s side, Anita Enaruna and Chioma Nweke will lead the sprint squad, supported by Iyanuoluwa Bada and Oluebube Ezechukwu in the short sprints.
Comfort James will compete in the 800m, while veteran Patience Okon George, one of Nigeria’s most reliable quarter-milers, will race in the 400m.
In the field events, Divine Oladipo joins Enekwechi in the shot put, and Oyesade Olatoye returns in the hammer throw following her previous continental success.
Victoria Kparika, a three-time national champion, will target gold in the javelin, alongside Temitope Ademola in the long jump.
Discus specialist Obiageri Amaechi adds depth in the throws, teaming up with Onyekwere-Lyons and Maria Omokwe.
Boxing Team Lands in Riyadh
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s boxing team has arrived in Saudi Arabia ahead of their campaign at the Games.
The team, led by coach Abayomi Oyeleye, touched down in Riyadh early Monday morning after completing a three-week intensive training camp in Abuja.
The contingent includes Ridwan Raheem (welterweight, 65kg) and Zainab Adeshina (women’s flyweight, 51kg).
Their bouts will begin on Wednesday, November 5, with the boxing competition set to run ahead of the main Games opening.
Officials Confident of Strong Showing
Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, stated that Nigeria’s participation aligns with the Commission’s long-term Olympic development plan, particularly with an eye on Los Angeles 2028.
“The Islamic Solidarity Games represent a great opportunity for Nigeria to showcase our talent on the global stage,” Olopade said.
“We believe this team has what it takes to excel. It’s part of our strategic preparation for future Olympic success.”
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