Retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama, coordinator of the GCU Relays, has raised concerns over hazardous damage at the Government College Ughelli athletics track ahead of the competition’s eighth staging on November 14, with registration for the inter-school event now closed.
Following an assessment of the Athletics Arena, Nesiama said potholes and erosion could present a major risk to competitors. “There are some potholes that could cause serious safety problems,” he said. “The 100m section and the finishing straight also require repairs. Erosion has affected part of lane one, and that could put athletes in danger.”
Organisers intend to address the most serious areas before the meet, although Nesiama acknowledged the scale of the problem. “Unfortunately, a few sections are in poor condition, but we will do what we can before November 14, 2026,” he said.
Nesiama carried out the inspection alongside Professor Jeff Okpako, president of the Nigeria Association of Athletics Technical Officials, NAATO. Their technical review identified potholes across the surface, erosion in lane one, and deterioration around both the 100-metre stretch and the home straight.
Experts will be brought in to work on the most damaged parts of the finishing straight. The officials have also called on corporate organisations in Nigeria to support the installation of a replacement tartan surface, stressing that the existing track is now 10 years old. Shell-NNPC constructed and donated the facility to the host community under its corporate social responsibility programme.
The GCU Relays are being staged by the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association, GCUOBA, as part of efforts to restore intercollegiate athletics in Nigeria. Several established schools are expected to take part, including Edo College, Benin City, which joins former participant Idia College, Benin City. Invitations have also been extended to Federal Government College, Warri; Urhobo College, Effurun; James Welch Grammar School, Emevor; St. Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe; and St. Patrick’s College, Asaba.
With the entry window shut, the key issue is now whether the necessary work can be finished in time for the venue to receive safety clearance before the athletes arrive.
