Z-PRO MEDIA

...AFN declares National Trials Mandatory for Athletes, Set benchmark for sprint  By Maxwell Kumoye  The race for places on Team Nigeria to the 2026 Commonwealth Games has officially begun, with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) announcing dates for the national trials that will determine the country's track and field representatives for Glasgow, Scotland. The highly anticipated trials will hold from June 20 to June 22, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos, bringing together some of the nation's finest athletes in what promises to be a fiercely contested competition. For Nigerian athletes dreaming of competing at the Commonwealth Games, the trials represent the most crucial hurdle in the qualification process.  The AFN has made it clear that participation in the trials is mandatory for any athlete hoping to secure a place on Team Nigeria, making the Lagos event a make-or-break opportunity for established stars and emerging tal...

  By Maxwell Kumoye       Ethiopia's dominance of long-distance running was once again on full display as Mama Lama and Silenet Bitwe emerged victorious in the men's and women's categories respectively at the 2026 Okpekpe International 10km Road Race on Saturday. Mama Lama produced a commanding performance in the men's race, powering through the challenging Okpekpe course to claim the prestigious title and add his name to the list of elite athletes who have conquered Africa's first World Athletics-labelled road race. In the women's event, fellow Ethiopian Silenet Bitwe showcased her class and endurance, crossing the finish line ahead of the competition to secure the women's crown and complete a memorable day for Ethiopian athletics. The victories underscored Ethiopia's continued strength in distance running, with both athletes demonstrating exceptional pace, tactical awareness, and stamina throughout the race. The annual Okpekpe Road Race att...

...Smashes Nigerian record with stunning 43.82s By Oluwatobiloba Zeal-Adepetu Kumoye    Nigeria’s sprint sensation Samuel Ogazi delivered another statement performance on Friday, storming to a remarkable new Personal Best and World Lead of 43.82 seconds in the men’s 400m at the NCAA East Regionals. The blistering run saw Ogazi reclaim the world-leading mark from Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi, who had clocked 43.92 seconds just last week. In the process, the Nigerian quarter-miler also shattered his own national record yet again, continuing a exceptional season in which he has consistently raised the bar with every outing. Ogazi’s 43.82s now stands as the fastest men’s 400m time in the world this year, further underlining his emergence as one of the most exciting sprint talents on the global stage. The performance adds to what is becoming a historic season for Nigerian athletics.  Earlier, fellow Nigerian sprint star Kanyinsola Ajayi clocked a stunning 9.84 se...

By Maxwell Kumoye      Team Nigeria’s campaign at the World Relays in Gaborone has been defined by meticulous preparation, strong institutional backing, and a historic achievement that has set the nation apart on the continental stage. Arriving well ahead of the competition, the Nigerian contingent ensured optimal readiness, with athletes fully kitted and supported by a complete technical crew, including a robust medical team.  The early arrival allowed the squad to settle, train, and build cohesion, factors that ultimately translated into success on the track. Crucially, the team enjoyed solid backing from the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Director General Bukola Olopade, whose presence provided both administrative support and morale.  The Nigeria Olympic Committee also played a vital role, with senior Vice President Solomon Ogba offering motivation to the athletes.  Seasoned administrator Salihu Abubakar further reinforced the team’...

...Letsile Tebogo and Collen Kebinatshipi not in the roster    By Maxwell Kumoye    Botswana has officially unveiled its final 25 man squad for the upcoming CAA Senior African Championships, with the nation’s top track and field stars set to compete in Accra, Ghana from May 12–17, 2026. The announcement, made by the Botswana Athletics Association, signals the start of an intensive build-up phase, as the full squad assembled for national camp on May 6.  The camp is expected to fine-tune preparations across sprint, middle-distance, jumps, and hurdles events as Botswana aims for a strong continental showing. Leading the men’s team are sprinters such as Phaezel Selepe and Kevin Lobalatang, both doubling in the 100m and 200m, alongside quarter-milers Lee B. Epple and Justice Oratile, who bring impressive sub-45-second credentials into the championships.  In the field events, high jumpers Tswanello Akobe and Taolo Lesole add depth, while Kemorena Tisa...