AFN unveils packed 2026 calendar as Golden League series returns

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has released its proposed schedule for the 2026 season, highlighted by the Mary Onyali Track and Field Classics and the Shehu Dikko Relay Series.

The calendar also marks the return of the AFN Golden League Series, which was absent last year despite being scheduled. Additionally, the federation plans a renewed focus on cross country events and grassroots development competitions.

The season kicks off in January with registration and affiliation, followed by the Lagos ACAN over-distance meet. A series of endurance events, including the Kano State Cross Country and the Kogi Half Marathon, will also take place. The month concludes with the SWAC U15 and Senior Championships preliminaries and the AFN/Agroterra 10km Cross Country Race in Ogun State.

February will feature the season four opener of the MTN Champs, the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon, and the first leg of the Shehu Dikko Relays in Benin City. The AFN Golden League is set to make its return with an opening meet in Benin, while the Nigeria Police Games in Asaba and the Future Olympian Classics for high schools in Lagos are also scheduled.

March promises a blend of domestic and international action, with the ECOWAS Abuja Marathon, the MTN Champs Athletics Classics in Calabar, and the second Shehu Dikko Relays in Kano. The AFN Golden League will continue in Lagos, alongside the Athletics School Games at Yabatech.

In April, the third Golden League meet will be held in Abuja and Kaduna, while the MTN Champs Grand Final takes place in Ibadan. The Shehu Dikko Relays will have a leg at YABATEC, and the Kids Athletics R.A.C.E Series is slated for Port Harcourt. Athletes will also have opportunities abroad at events like the Mt. Sac Relays in California.

May's key events include the National Youth and Junior Championships in Port Harcourt, the inaugural Athletics Masters National Championships in Abuja, and the prestigious Mary Onyali Track and Field Classics in Abeokuta. The month will also feature the Okpekpe 10km Road Race in Edo and the Ibom Challenge in Uyo.

June will build momentum towards the Commonwealth Games Trials in Uyo, with the AFN Golden League Final serving as a crucial preparatory event. The Shehu Dikko Relays will move to Zaria, and the Kids Athletics R.A.C.E Series will be held in Umuahia.

The summer months are dedicated to major international competitions, including the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra and the World Junior Championships in Eugene, Oregon. The calendar also includes the National Youth Games in Asaba in September.

The year will wind down with the Tobias Igwe meet in Enugu and the Africa School Games in October and November, alongside the Lagos Women’s Run. The season officially concludes in December with the AFN/Agroterra 10km Cross Country Race in Ogun State.