The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has declared that all athletes aspiring to represent Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, must participate in the national trials scheduled for later this month in Lagos. The trials are set to take place from 20 to 22 June at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex, where competitors will vie for positions on Team Nigeria.
Mandatory participation for all athletes
In a statement issued on Tuesday by the chairman of the AFN Media Committee, Maxwell Kumoye, the federation emphasized that the event is a crucial step in Nigeria's preparations for the Commonwealth Games. The AFN stressed that participation in the trials is mandatory for all athletes aiming to secure a spot on the national team, making the competition the primary selection platform for Glasgow 2026.
Event details and qualifying standards
The three-day championship will feature 32 track and field events for both men and women. However, participation in the men's and women's 100m, 200m, and 400m events will be restricted to athletes who have met the qualifying standards set by the federation. All other events will remain open to eligible competitors. The federation explained that this benchmark ensures only top-form athletes compete in sprint events while maintaining broad participation across other disciplines.
Athletes are expected to arrive in Lagos on 19 June, with departures scheduled for 23 June. To ease the burden on competitors, the AFN disclosed that accommodation will be provided for athletes who achieved the required standards during the qualification period. The list of qualified athletes is expected to be released in the coming days.
Anticipation and support
The trials are expected to attract many of Nigeria's leading track and field stars, along with emerging talents eager to secure a place on the national team. As one of Africa's traditional athletics powerhouses, Nigeria is set to face intense competition for the limited slots available for the Glasgow Games. AFN President Tonobok Okowa called on athletics stakeholders and fans to support the athletes during the championships, describing the trials as a significant milestone in Nigeria's build-up to the Commonwealth Games.
Mr. Okowa also commended the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support of the federation, noting that the commission's backing has strengthened efforts to develop athletics and improve elite athlete performance. With the countdown to Glasgow 2026 gathering pace, attention now shifts to Lagos, where Nigeria's track and field athletes will seek to turn years of preparation into Commonwealth Games qualification and the opportunity to represent the country on one of sport's biggest stages.
