Ageing Ughelli Track Needs Urgent Repairs as November 14 GCU Relays Nears

...Nesiama raises safety concerns over Ughelli track

By Maxwell Kumoye

 

With entries now closed for the November 14 competition, urgent repairs to the Government College Ughelli Athletics Arena have emerged as a major priority ahead of the eighth edition of the GCU Relays.

Retired Commodore Omatseye Nesiama and Professor Jeff Okpako have called attention to the deteriorating condition of the arena's tartan track following a final assessment of the facility ahead of the annual intercollegiate athletics meet.

The inspection team, led by GCU Relays Coordinator Nesiama and Nigeria Association of Athletics Technical Officials (NAATO) President Okpako, identified several sections requiring urgent attention, raising concerns about the safety of athletes expected to compete at the event.

Among the major defects are potholes on the track, erosion affecting lane one and damage to the 100-metre section and home straight. The condition of these areas has prompted calls for immediate intervention before the competition gets underway.

Nesiama acknowledged the scale of the challenge but expressed hope that the most critical defects could be addressed before the November 14 deadline.

"Unfortunately, a couple of places look bad. But we will see what we can do before November 14, 2026," he said.

He warned that the damaged sections could expose athletes to avoidable risks, particularly in races where the condition of the track is crucial to performance and safety.

"There are a few potholes that can create serious safety issues. Even the 100m area and the home straight need retouching. Erosion has taken over some portion of lane one. It could be dangerous to the athletes," Nesiama cautioned.

The home straight, where athletes complete their races, is receiving particular attention, with plans underway to engage specialists to repair its worst sections.

However, the challenge extends beyond temporary repairs. The technical team has urged corporate Nigeria to support the construction of a new tartan track, noting that the existing facility is now a decade old.

The appeal highlights the importance of sustained investment in sports infrastructure, particularly facilities that serve school athletics and grassroots talent development.

The GCU Relays was established by the Government College Ughelli Old Boys Association (GCUOBA) to restore the tradition of intercollegiate athletics in Nigeria and provide young athletes with a platform to compete.

This year's edition is expected to feature several prominent legacy schools, with Edo College, Benin City, joining previous participants Idia College, Benin City, among the institutions invited.

Other schools on the list include:

• Federal Government College, Warri

• Urhobo College, Effurun

• James Welch Grammar School, Emevor

• St. Peter Claver's College, Aghalokpe

• St. Patrick's College, Asaba, among others.

The existing tartan track was constructed and donated by Shell-NNPC ten years ago as part of its corporate social responsibility commitment to the host community.

With entries closed, attention now shifts to preparations on the ground, particularly whether the identified defects can be repaired and the track certified safe for competition before the athletes arrive.

The immediate task for GCUOBA is to deliver a successful eighth edition. The longer-term challenge is securing the corporate backing needed to replace an ageing facility and protect the future of one of the country's intercollegiate athletics initiatives.