AFN trials begin as over 1,000 athletes battle for Commonwealth Games spots

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) National Trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games commenced yesterday at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos, attracting more than 1,000 local and foreign-based athletes competing across various events.

Following a one-day adjustment, the AFN Technical Committee scrapped the earlier qualifying standards and opened participation to all registered athletes.

As a result, the YABATECH Sports Complex has become a hub of activity, with leading athletics administrators and stakeholders gathering to witness the selection of athletes for the Commonwealth Games. Among those in attendance are the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade; AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa; former AFN President, Solomon Ogba; AFN First Vice President, Abubakar Ladan Zurmi; and several other key figures in Nigerian athletics.

Olympian Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Chidi Okezie, Adekalu Fakorede, Divine Oladipupo, Blessing Ogundiran, Adaobi Tabugbo, and Oyesade Oyetayo are among the United States-based athletes participating in the trials.

Other foreign-based athletes competing include James Emmanuel, Prestina Ochonogor, Favour Ashe, Nyenuchi Okemgbo, Olajide Olayinka, Tyler Johnson, Elo Esther Joseph, and Victory Achakpokri.

Among the Nigeria-based athletes at the trials are national 100m champion Chidera Ezeakor, Olympian Enoch Adegoke, Tejiri Godwin, Miracle Ezechukwu, Maria Thompson, Rosemary Chigozie, quarter-milers Emmanuel Ojeli, Nathaniel Samson, Sikiru Adeyemi, and Patience Okon-George.

Speaking at the event, AFN President Tonobok Okowa expressed satisfaction with the quality of performances recorded during the preliminary rounds.

He said the performances were a strong indication that Nigeria would field a formidable team at the forthcoming World Athletics U20 Championships in the United States and the Commonwealth Games in Scotland.

Okowa added that the AFN Board is working closely with the leadership of the NSC to ensure that the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow become one of Nigeria’s most successful outings.

He urged athletes to compete fairly and strive for new records and personal bests during the trials.

According to the AFN, more than 1,000 entries have been received for the trials, which are scheduled to conclude on Tuesday, June 23, at the YABATECH Sports Complex in Yaba, Lagos.

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