Follow Us on Google
Nigerian athletics legend Mary Onyali has hailed the organisation of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Commonwealth Games Trials in Lagos, saying the competition showcased a new level of coordination and professionalism among the country’s sports administrators.
The former Olympic medallist said the close collaboration between the National Sports Commission (NSC), the AFN and the Elite Podium Board, coupled with early preparations, was instrumental in delivering a hitch-free championship and creating the right conditions for athletes to excel ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Speaking after the trials, Onyali said the synergy between the NSC, AFN and Elite Podium Board ensured that the competition was conducted seamlessly from start to finish.
“From top to bottom, early preparation plus coordinated and cordial relationship between these three entities — the NSC, AFN and the Elite Podium Board — made the difference,” she said.
The two-time Olympic bronze medallist also praised the welfare arrangements provided for athletes who met the qualifying standards set by the AFN under the leadership of Chief Tonobok Okowa.
According to her, the provision of accommodation, feeding and transportation created an enabling environment for the athletes to focus on performance.
“Better welfare package was provided. All invited athletes that met the standard set by the AFN were accommodated, fed and transportation was provided to and from the hotel and stadium,” Onyali stated.
She further commended the athletes for their level of preparedness and determination throughout the competition.
“On the athletes’ part, they came prepared and hungry to prove their worth,” she added.
Despite the success of the trials, Onyali urged the athletes to remain focused as preparations shift towards the Commonwealth Games, stressing that the ultimate objective is to win medals for Nigeria in Glasgow.
“To sustain this tempo, they must stay hungry for bigger success by staying focused in their training while in camp, as the real goal is to get their hands on those gold medals awaiting them in Glasgow,” she said.
“Our plan is to surpass our last gold-medal haul at the Commonwealth Games.”
Onyali also reserved special praise for the AFN media team for its extensive publicity and timely dissemination of information before, during and after the trials.
“Kudos to the AFN media team for their massive publicity and prompt updates before, during and after the trials. Please do not relent until we reach the zenith,” she said.
The successful conclusion of the trials is expected to provide a solid foundation for Nigeria’s preparations ahead of the Commonwealth Games, with stakeholders hopeful of building a formidable team capable of delivering podium finishes in Glasgow.
