The stage is set for a memorable reunion of some of Nigeria’s greatest athletics icons as the Nigeria Athletics Masters (NAM) Dynamic Meet Championship takes centre stage from July 8 to 11, 2026, at the iconic Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
The championship is more than just a competition. It is a celebration of excellence, resilience and the enduring legacy of athletes whose performances once brought glory to Edo State and Nigeria on the continental and global stage.
Leading the host state contingent is Dr Richard Ogunleye, President of the Nigeria Athletics Masters, whose commitment continues to drive the revival of Masters Athletics in the country. A former national champion and current African Athletics Masters record holder in the 100m and 200m, Ogunleye is determined to ensure the championship inspires both retired and emerging athletes.
Among the biggest attractions, though far away in Aberdeen for the 2026 Commonwealth Games preparation with Team Nigeria — Yusuf Alli, arguably Nigeria’s greatest sprinter of all time. The Edo-born legend remains the national record holder with an incredible leap of 8.27 metres, a mark that has stood the test of time. A three-time Olympian, two-time World Championships athlete, three-time African Championships champion, three-time All Africa Games champion and two-time Commonwealth Games champion, Alli’s presence alone adds prestige to the championship.
Also returning is Maria Osifo, the accomplished two-time Olympian in the 400 metres hurdles, whose exploits placed Nigeria among Africa’s elite in the event.
Sprint legend Deji Aliu, a former national champion, will also grace the championship, while Aaron Egbele, another Edo athletics icon, returns with memories of helping Nigeria win the bronze medal in the men’s 4x100m relay at the 2004 Olympic Games, alongside his successes at the African Championships and All Africa Games.
Hurdles specialist William Erese, the former African record holder and Nigeria’s national record holder in the 110 metres hurdles, is another celebrated name expected to compete.
The championship will also feature Pastor Michael Monye, a former Nigerian athlete who currently holds African Athletics Masters records in the 100m, 200m and long jump, proving that excellence has no retirement age.
Former national 400m hurdles champion Martins Igberaise, an African Championships and All Africa Games champion, returns alongside Godwin Ogogo, another distinguished Edo athlete with medals from both the African Championships and All Africa Games.
Distance running will have its own stars as Osagie Ohaimu, popularly known as USA, competes after an outstanding Masters career that includes winning the 2023 Gothenburg, Sweden 21km race and the Boys City Half Marathon in Cameroon. His achievements continue to inspire long-distance runners across the country.
Race walking legend Asedo Queensly, a former national record holder and All Africa Games 21km champion, is also set to compete, reaffirming her place among Nigeria’s finest endurance athletes.
Another legendary name is Charlton Ehizuelen, one of Africa’s greatest field event athletes. The Edo-born Olympian famously won the 1975 NCAA Division I Championships in both the long jump and triple jump, establishing himself among the world’s elite jumpers.
Olympian Felix Imadiyi will also be in action, alongside former Nigerian sprinter Nicholas, who represented the country at the Commonwealth Games, World Championships, African Championships and World Relays.
The championship will equally welcome Okokako, a former national 400m champion and Olympian, Isoken Igbinosun, former Nigerian sprinter and Commonwealth Games and All Africa Games representative, and Felix Kadiri, another former national champion from Edo State.
Nigeria’s triple jump history will also be represented by Ajayi Agbebaku, the country’s record holder in the event, while Victor Omoigbetale, a veteran of the African Championships and All Africa Games, is expected to showcase his enduring competitive spirit.
One of Nigeria’s finest female throwers, Olufunke Adeoye-Imoisi, will also feature. The former national champion represented Nigeria at the Olympic Games, won medals at the All Africa Games and African Championships, and excelled in both the discus and hammer throw.
Adding further excitement is Musa Deji, the former national champion in the 100m, 200m and 4x100m relay, whose sprinting exploits remain part of Nigeria’s athletics history.
Waiting to welcome these great legends is the Chairman, Nigeria Athletics Masters (NAM), Edo State Chapter, Mr Ehigiator Lucky, who said to Platinum News that all is set to welcome these greats and give them the best of time in the heartbeat of the nation.
For four days, the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium will become a gathering point where experience meets inspiration. Beyond medals and records, the Nigeria Athletics Masters Dynamic Meet Championship will celebrate the athletes who built Nigeria’s athletics legacy while reminding younger generations that greatness never fades.
As Benin City welcomes these distinguished legends back to the track, the event promises to be a fitting tribute to decades of excellence and a landmark moment for Masters Athletics in Nigeria.