The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has released its updated calendar for the 2026 season, outlining a year packed with competitions set to test depth, preparation, and consistency across all levels of the sport.
The season opens with cross-country races, road runs, and early ACAN meets, gradually building momentum through Golden League fixtures, the Shehu Dikko Relays, Mary Onyali Track & Field Classic, MTN Champs, and age-grade championships staged across the country. As the months progress, athletes will navigate a demanding mix of local meets, regional championships, and continental assignments designed to sharpen performance and assess readiness.
Mid-season action intensifies with major international engagements including the World Relays, African Athletics Championships, national meets such as the Dynamic Athletics Meet in Lagos, followed by the National Trials. The calendar then rolls into global competitions featuring the Commonwealth Games and the World Athletics Ultimate Championships, while age-group and grassroots events continue to provide vital pathways for emerging talents.
As the year moves into its closing stages, attention shifts to national finals, international championships, and end-of-season road races, rounding off a comprehensive athletics year. Overall, the 2026 AFN calendar presents a structured yet demanding roadmap, one that emphasizes athlete development, welfare, and sustained competitive growth throughout the season.
