AFN sets dates for 2026 Commonwealth Games trials

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has scheduled the national trials for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, to take place from 20 to 22 June.

The federation announced the dates in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by Maxwell Kumoye, chairman of the AFN Media Committee.

Kumoye said the trials will be held at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos and will bring together some of the country’s top athletes.

“This is a crucial stage in the qualification process for athletes seeking to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games,” he said. “The AFN has made it clear that participation in the trials is mandatory for any athlete hoping to secure a place on Team Nigeria. This makes the Lagos event a make-or-break opportunity for both established stars and emerging talents.”

He added that the Commonwealth Games offer athletes national pride, international exposure, and glory, and that preparations are already intensifying across the country.

“The trials will be one of the most competitive national championships in recent years,” Kumoye said. “The three‑day event will feature 32 track and field events for both men and women, providing opportunities for athletes to stake their claims for selection.”

“Participation in the men’s and women’s 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres will be restricted to athletes who have achieved the prescribed qualifying standards. All other track and field events will remain open for participation,” he explained.

He noted that the arrangement was designed to ensure that only athletes in top form compete in the sprint events while maintaining broad participation in other disciplines.

Kumoye said athletes were expected to arrive in Lagos on 19 June and depart on 23 June. He added that the federation would provide accommodation for athletes who had achieved the required standards during the qualification period.

According to him, the list of athletes who have met the stipulated benchmarks will be released in the coming days. “The trials are expected to produce thrilling contests across several events as athletes seek to impress selectors and secure places on Team Nigeria for Glasgow 2026,” he said.

AFN President Tonobok Okowa called on athletics stakeholders, enthusiasts and fans to support the athletes during the championship. Okowa described the trials as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games and expressed confidence that the event would help identify the country’s best talents.

He also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support for the federation and Nigerian athletes. The AFN boss said that the support from NSC had strengthened athletics development and had also improved elite athletes’ performance.

“As the countdown to Glasgow gathers momentum, attention now shifts to Lagos, where dreams will be realised, ambitions tested and places on Team Nigeria earned,” Okowa said. “For every athlete aspiring to wear Nigeria’s colours at the Commonwealth Games, the message from the federation is unmistakable: the road to Glasgow passes through the AFN National Trials.”

He added that competition for the available slots was expected to be intense, given Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s leading athletics nations. (NAN)

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