Nigeria’s athletics team for the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games has been officially unveiled, with African champion and Commonwealth Games medalist Chukwuebuka Enekwechi headlining a 25-athlete contingent set to represent the country in 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 finest athletes from across the Islamic world.
Organized by the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA), this year’s competition marks a return to its traditional four-year cycle after the 2021 Games in Konya, Turkey, were delayed 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 2013, the only edition where the country reached the athletics podium. Overall, the nation has claimed 11 medals across all sports in the Games’ history.
The 2025 edition will feature athletes from Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member nations competing in 21 sports and two para-sports, with Saudi Arabia hosting for the second time since the inaugural event in 2005.
Enekwechi and Onyekwere-Lyons to Anchor Throws Team
Nigeria’s medal hopes will be led by Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, the African record holder and one of the continent’s most consistent performers in the men’s shot put.
Joining him in the throws department is Chioma Onyekwere-Lyons, a two-time African champion and Commonwealth gold medallist who also holds the African record in the women’s discus throw.
They will be backed by a strong group of field athletes aiming to continue Nigeria’s growing dominance in the throws.
Strong Sprint Line-Up for the Men
Nigeria’s famed sprinting tradition remains alive with a solid lineup across the 100m and 200m events.
The men’s sprint team includes:
- Enoch Adegoke – Olympic finalist
- Chidera Ezeakor
- James Emmanuel
- Caleb John
In the 400m, Ezekiel Asuquo, David Akhalu, and Gafari Badmus will carry Nigeria’s hopes, while Afoke Oshasha will double in the long jump and sprint events.
Wisdom Great Musa is set for the 110m hurdles, and Samuel Kure will represent the nation in the javelin throw.
Women’s Team to Feature Blend of Experience and Youth
The women’s sprint squad will be led by Anita Enaruna and Chioma Nweke, alongside Iyanuoluwa Bada and Oluebube Ezechukwu in the short sprints.
In the middle distances, Comfort James will contest the 800m, while veteran Patience Okon George, one of Nigeria’s most decorated quarter-milers, returns for the 400m.
In the field events, Divine Oladipo joins Enekwechi in the shot put, and Oyesade Olatoye will contest the hammer throw after her successful continental campaign.
Victoria Kparika, a three-time national champion, will target gold in the javelin, alongside Temitope Ademola in the long jump.
Obiageri Amaechi, a discus specialist, adds further strength to the throws team alongside Onyekwere-Lyons and Maria Omokwe.
Boxing Team Lands in Riyadh
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s boxing team has already arrived in Riyadh ahead of their campaign.
Led by coach Abayomi Oyeleye, the squad completed a three-week intensive training camp in Abuja before departing for Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The contingent includes:
- Ridwan Raheem (Welterweight, 65kg)
- Zainab Adeshina (Women’s Flyweight, 51kg)
Boxing events begin on Wednesday, November 5, running just ahead of the Games’ official opening.
Officials Confident of Strong Showing
Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s chances and emphasized that the country’s participation aligns with its long-term Olympic development plan ahead of 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.”
With a balanced mix of seasoned campaigners and rising stars, Team Nigeria is poised to make a strong statement in Saudi Arabia as they aim to surpass their past achievements and climb the medal table.
