Nigeria Names 29 Athletes for 2026 Commonwealth Games
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has unveiled a 29-strong squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland. The team is headlined by world record holder Tobi Amusan, sprinter Favour Ashe, and long jump champion Ese Brume. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Abuja, with athletics accounting for the majority of the contingent.
Star Athletes Lead the Charge
Tobi Amusan, the 100m hurdles world record holder and defending Commonwealth champion, will aim to retain her title. Favour Ashe, a rising sprint star, and Ese Brume, a multiple medalist in long jump, are also key figures. According to AFN President Tonobok Okowa, the selection was based on recent performances and potential to win medals.
“We have carefully selected athletes who have shown consistency and the ability to compete at the highest level,” Okowa said. “Our goal is to improve on Nigeria’s performance in previous Games.”
Composition of the Team
The squad includes 15 male and 14 female athletes. Events covered include sprints, hurdles, relays, jumps, throws, and combined events. Notably, the team features several debutants alongside experienced campaigners. The AFN confirmed that all athletes have met the qualifying standards set by the Commonwealth Games Federation.
Preparation and Expectations
Nigeria will begin a training camp in Abuja from March 15 ahead of the Games, scheduled for July 23 to August 2. The AFN has secured funding for the camp and travel, with support from the Federal Ministry of Sports. Nigeria won 11 medals at the last Commonwealth Games in Birmingham 2022, including two golds. The federation hopes to surpass that tally in Glasgow.
“We are confident that this team will make Nigeria proud,” Okowa added. “The athletes are in good shape and we expect strong performances across all events.”
Full List of Selected Athletes
The AFN released the full list, which includes: Tobi Amusan (100m hurdles), Favour Ashe (100m, 4x100m relay), Ese Brume (long jump), Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (shot put), and others. The relay teams are expected to be competitive, with depth in the men’s and women’s sprints.
Nigeria will also compete in para-athletics, with three athletes selected for the para events. The Commonwealth Games will feature over 4,500 athletes from 72 nations.
