The organisers of the eighth edition of the Government College Ughelli (GCU) Relays have closed entries for the annual intercollegiate athletics competition, following a final inspection of the Government College Ughelli Athletics Arena by a technical team led by former Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) president, Commodore Omatseye Nesiama (rtd), and President of the Nigerian Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO), Prof. Jeff Okpako.
The competition is scheduled to hold on November 14, 2026, with the final inspection focusing on the condition of the facility, particularly the tartan tracks, ahead of the event.
According to the GCU Relays Media Team, the technical inspection identified several areas requiring urgent remedial work to ensure the safety of athletes and the smooth conduct of the competition.
The team also called on corporate organisations to support the fresh construction of the tartan tracks, which were built and donated by Shell-NNPC about a decade ago as part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment to its host community.
Speaking after the inspection, Nesiama expressed concern over the deteriorating condition of some sections of the track, warning that the identified defects could pose safety risks to participating athletes.
“We have undertaken a tour of the facilities. Unfortunately, a couple of places look bad. But we would see what we can do before November 14, 2026,” he said.
He specifically identified potholes, erosion affecting lane one and sections of the 100-metre area and home straight as areas requiring attention before the competition.
“There are a few potholes that can create serious safety issues. But let’s see what can be done practically. Even the 100m area and the home straight needs re-touching. Erosion has taken over some portion of lane one. It could be dangerous to the athletes,” Nesiama added.
The GCU Relays coordinator, however, expressed optimism that urgent repairs could be completed before the competition, noting that efforts were being made to engage specialists to address the most critical defects.
“However, and good enough, we are trying to commission some experts to fix the terribly bad home straight where all races will conclude,” he said.
Nesiama added that the organisers would assess how quickly the erosion-affected sections and other safety concerns could be addressed and certified for competition.
“We shall see how quickly these erosion-affected areas and safety issues can be fixed and certified for competition. We remain hopeful and optimistic about delivering this eighth edition,” he stated.
Edo College Leads Legacy Schools
Meanwhile, Edo College, Benin City, from Edo State, is among the leading invited legacy schools expected to participate in the eighth edition of the GCU Relays.
Other returning institutions include Idia College, Benin City, alongside Federal Government College, Warri; Urhobo College, Effurun; James Welch Grammar School, Emevor; St. Peter Claver’s College, Aghalokpe; and St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, among others.
The participation of these institutions is expected to reinforce the competition’s objective of promoting intercollegiate athletics and reviving the tradition of competitive sports among secondary schools.
Entries for the 2026 edition have now closed as preparations enter the final phase ahead of the November 14 event.
Reviving Intercollegiate Athletics
The GCU Relays is an initiative of the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA), conceived to revive intercollegiate athletics competitions in Nigeria and provide a platform for young athletes to showcase their talents.
The competition has become a meeting point for participating schools, athletes, sports administrators and other stakeholders committed to developing grassroots athletics.
With the final facility inspection completed, attention is now turning to the urgent rehabilitation of the affected track sections and the broader need to renew the tartan facility.
The organisers’ appeal to corporate Nigeria for a new track installation also highlights the importance of sustained private-sector investment in sports infrastructure, particularly facilities that support youth development and grassroots talent identification.
As the countdown to November 14 continues, the organisers remain optimistic that the necessary remedial works will be completed to provide a safe and competitive environment for athletes at the eighth GCU Relays.
