Nigeria athletics coach confident ahead of Commonwealth Games

Head coach of Team Nigeria Athletics, Solomon Aliyu, says the impressive performances witnessed at the Athletics Federation of Nigeria Commonwealth Games Trials are only a glimpse of what Nigerians should expect from the country’s athletes at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

JAliyu, who is overseeing the preparations of the 29 athletes invited to the national camp following the trials, expressed confidence that Team Nigeria will raise its performance when the Games get underway.

The Commonwealth Games will hold in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, with athletics expected to be one of Team Nigeria’s strongest medal prospects.

The veteran coach described the trials as a successful first phase of the team’s preparations, insisting that the athletes are capable of delivering even better performances on the international stage.

“What we saw at the AFN Commonwealth Games Trials is just the beginning,” Aliyu said.

“At the Commonwealth Games, Nigerians should expect even better performances from our athletes. This is only the first phase, so watch out for what’s to come.”

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Aliyu also reserved special praise for emerging talents Miracle Ezechukwu, Chidera Ezeakor and Chigozie Rosemary, describing them as the future of Nigerian athletics.

“Whether we like it or not, these young athletes are the champions of tomorrow. Without them, we won’t have anyone to represent the country in the future. We are doing our best to complement the tremendous work their personal coaches have already done in developing them,” he said.

The Team Nigeria coach was equally quick to acknowledge the contributions of the athletes’ personal coaches, stressing that they deserve recognition for their dedication.

“I’m very impressed and excited by what I’ve seen. As the head coach, I cannot take all the credit. The personal coaches have done an excellent job in preparing these athletes, and they deserve to be commended for their efforts,” he added.

Looking ahead, Aliyu noted that more work still lies ahead to ensure the athletes are properly nurtured and supported to maximise their potential on the global stage.

“We still have a lot of work to do to maintain this momentum. The impressive performances we’re seeing today are a result of the unwavering support from the leadership of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the National Sports Commission. Their collaboration is providing the environment athletics needs to thrive, and we appreciate their commitment,” he concluded.