Follow Us on Google
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has declared that all athletes seeking selection for Team Nigeria to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, must participate in the federation’s national trials scheduled for June 20 to 22 in Lagos.
The federation stressed that attendance at the trials is compulsory, regardless of an athlete’s status or previous achievements, as it moves to ensure a transparent and merit-based selection process for the Games.
According to the AFN, the national trials, which will take place at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex, will serve as the primary platform for selecting athletes who will represent Nigeria in track and field at the Commonwealth Games.
The directive means that all athletes hoping to earn a place on Team Nigeria must prove their readiness and fitness during the three-day championship.
The trials are expected to attract some of the country’s leading athletes, alongside emerging talents eager to stake their claim for places on the national team.
A total of 32 events for men and women will be contested. However, participation in the men’s and women’s 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres will be restricted to athletes who have attained the prescribed qualifying standards, while entries for other events will remain open.
The AFN said the arrangement is designed to ensure that only athletes in top competitive condition feature in the sprint events while maintaining broad participation across other disciplines.
Other News
Athletes are expected to arrive in Lagos on June 19, with departures scheduled for June 23.
To support athletes during the championships, the federation announced that accommodation will be provided for competitors who have achieved the required qualifying standards during the qualification period. The list of eligible athletes is expected to be released in the coming days.
AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, described the trials as a crucial stage in Nigeria’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games, noting that the championships would provide selectors with an opportunity to assess athletes under competitive conditions.
He called on athletics stakeholders, enthusiasts and fans to support the event, expressing confidence that the trials would produce a strong team capable of competing successfully in Glasgow.
Okowa also commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support of athletics development in Nigeria, stating that the commission’s backing has helped strengthen the federation’s programmes and athlete preparation efforts.
With places on Team Nigeria at stake, the Lagos trials are expected to deliver fierce competition as athletes battle for the opportunity to wear the nation’s colours at the Commonwealth Games.
For athletes hoping to compete in Glasgow, the message from the federation is clear: participation in the AFN National Trials is not optional but a mandatory requirement for selection.
