January 28, 2025 – Nigerian athletes are preparing for an action-packed year in 2025, with at least ten major championships scheduled across various sports, including football, athletics, basketball, and wrestling.
This busy calendar comes on the heels of a challenging 2024, where lessons learned will be crucial for achieving success in the upcoming competitions.
Among the notable events this year is the World Athletics Championships, set to take place in Tokyo from September 13-21, 2025.
Nigerian long jump star Ese Brume, who has previously won bronze and silver medals at past championships, has set her sights on gold this time around. Brume expressed her determination to excel despite facing personal challenges, including a recent car accident.
In addition to athletics, the World Wrestling Championships will also be held in Croatia this year, providing another platform for Nigerian athletes to showcase their talent. The wrestling team is expected to compete fiercely as they aim for podium finishes.
Football will also be a focal point for Nigerian athletes in 2025. The Super Eagles will participate in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is scheduled for December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, in Morocco. Additionally, the women’s football team will compete in the Women’s AFCON from July 5-26 in Morocco
Basketball fans will be looking forward to the Afrobasket tournaments as well. The men’s national team, the Tigers, and the women’s team, the Tigres, are gearing up for their respective competitions later in the year.
Despite a disappointing performance at the Paris Olympics and other events in 2024, stakeholders remain cautiously optimistic about Nigeria’s prospects in sports this year. The National Sports Commission (NSC) has emphasized the importance of strategic planning and support for athletes as they prepare for these major championships.
As part of grassroots development initiatives, there is a renewed focus on nurturing young talent through school sports and local tournaments.
This commitment aims to build a more robust sports culture that celebrates athletes’ achievements and fosters future success.
With a busy calendar ahead and significant championships on the horizon, Nigerian athletes are poised to make their mark in 2025.
As they gear up for competition, all eyes will be on them to see if they can turn past disappointments into triumphs and elevate Nigeria’s standing in international sports.
