Lights Out, Nation Embarrassed: Nigerian Athletes Forced to Run 5000m Trials in Total Darkness Ahead of Tokyo 2025

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A disturbing video has taken over social media, showing Nigerian athletes running a 5000m race in complete darkness during the National Athletics Trials in Lagos. The trials are part of Team Nigeria’s preparations for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, yet the scene captured could hardly reflect a nation preparing for a global sporting event.

With no functioning floodlights and zero visibility, the athletes can be seen navigating the track blindly — relying on memory, instinct, and sheer determination to finish the race. The viral clip has drawn nationwide outrage and global ridicule, sparking serious questions about the country’s readiness and commitment to sports development.

“This is unacceptable. These athletes are risking injury. How can we hope to compete at the world stage when our trials look like this?” one user lamented on X (formerly Twitter).

The hashtag #RunInTheDark quickly trended alongside #Tokyo2025 and #NigerianAthletics, with thousands expressing frustration at the lack of basic infrastructure and respect for athletes who work tirelessly to represent Nigeria.

While the Nigerian government recently rewarded the Super Falcons and D’Tigress teams with national honors and cash prizes for their achievements, critics say true support starts with the basics — training grounds, equipment, and the right conditions to compete.

Calls are growing louder for the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Federal Ministry of Sports to launch an urgent investigation and ensure that such an incident never happens again.

As the countdown to Tokyo 2025 begins, many Nigerians are left wondering — will their athletes go for gold, or once again be left to chase greatness in the dark?