Background/ Objective: The aim of the study was to assess the effect of lockdown measures occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic on the physical and psychological characteristics of Nigerian athletes. Methods: An online survey involving 578 elite athletes was utilized, using an electronic questionnaire which sought information on respondents` socio-demographics, sports type, level of psychological distress, injury incidences management, and expectations or otherwise of financial support during the lockdown period. Data obtained were analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics with SPSS version 21 with alpha set at <0.05. Results: Results showed that the COVID-19 lockdown had a significant negative impact on respondents` ratings of cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, joint flexibility, speed, agility, coordination level and body weight. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale showed that 44.1% of the respondents were likely to have been psychologically well, while 20.6% and 12.5% were likely to be having mild and moderate disorders respectively. 22.8% of the respondents were likely to be having severe disorder as a result of the lockdown restrictions. Results also showed no association between respondents` age, gender, marital status, sports type and level of psychological distress. However, there were associations between the presence of injury and lack of access to its management during the lockdown period, expectation of financial support or palliative from club during lockdown period and the level of psychological distress. Conclusion: It was concluded that COVID-19 pandemic elicited reduction in physical attributes and varying levels of psychological distress among Nigerian athletes.
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