Nigeria’s top athletics stars will compete at the Commonwealth Games Trials from June 20 to June 22 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos.
The trials will determine which athletes will represent Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, scheduled for July 23 to August 2.
A total of 32 events will be contested, with athletes competing for places on Team Nigeria. The event is expected to be highly competitive as home-based athletes face off against Nigerian athletes studying and competing in the United States.
Amusan, Ajayi, Ogazi Lead Strong Field
World champion and African record holder Tobi Amusan is expected to be the star attraction in the women’s 100m hurdles. She comes into the trials in excellent form after several impressive performances on the international circuit this season.
In the men’s 100m, attention will be on Kanyinsola Ajayi, who recently broke Olusoji Fasuba’s long-standing national record. He will face strong competition from Chidera Ezeakor, Enoch Adegoke, Israel Okon and Favour Ashe.
The women’s sprint events will feature leading athletes such as Rosemary Chukwuma, Blessing Ogundiran, Rosemary Nwankwo, Maria Thompson and teenage sensation Miracle Ezechukwu.
Ogazi Targets Another Big Performance
Twenty-year-old Samuel Ogazi enters the men’s 400m as the athlete to beat after posting a world-leading time of 43.38 seconds this season. He will compete against Tyler Johnson, Ezekiel Asuquo, Gafari Badmus and Sikiru Adeyemi.
In the women’s 400m, Ella Onojuvwevwo will lead a strong field that includes Jecinta Lawrence, Esther Okon, Toheebat Jimoh and Patience Okon-George.
African record holder Ezekiel Nathaniel is the favourite in the men’s 400m hurdles due to his outstanding performances in recent years.
Field Events Promise Excitement
Shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi will headline the field events after winning medals at international competitions this season.
NCAA javelin champion Chinecherem Nnamdi is expected to attract attention in the men’s javelin competition.
Women’s high jump star Temitope Adeshina, who recently completed a successful NCAA season, will be among the favourites in her event.
Former Commonwealth Games champion Ese Brume is also expected to compete in the women’s long jump.
Cash Rewards for Athletes
For the first time in several years, home-based athletes and coaches will have the opportunity to win cash prizes through the Excellence in Athletics Prize initiative.
The programme is sponsored by Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Second Vice President Aku Aghazu in memory of her father, Ben Aghazu, with support from former athlete Gbolahan Fatuga and sports stakeholder Kunle Oguneye.
Nigeria Eyes Success in Glasgow
Sports officials believe Nigeria has a strong chance of winning medals at the Commonwealth Games because of the country’s growing pool of talented athletes.
The National Sports Commission says the trials will ensure a fair and transparent selection process as Nigeria finalises its athletics team for Glasgow 2026.
Athletes to Watch
Tobi Amusan – Women’s 100m hurdles world record holder and world champion.
Ese Brume – Multiple African champion and Commonwealth Games gold medallist.
Ruth Usoro – One of Nigeria’s leading jumpers.
Favour Ashe – Among Africa’s fastest sprinters.
Rosemary Chukwuma – Consistent performer in women’s sprint events.
Prestina Ochonogor – Rising star in the jumps.
Ella Onojuvwevwo – One of Nigeria’s top female 400m runners.
Tima Godbless – Fast-rising sprinter competing in the United States.
Temitope Adeshina – NCAA champion high jumper.
Kanyinsola Ajayi – Nigerian 100m record holder.
Samuel Ogazi – World-leading men’s 400m runner this season.
Ezekiel Nathaniel – African record holder in the 400m hurdles.
Favour Ofili – One of Nigeria’s most successful female sprinters, although her participation remains uncertain.
The three-day event is expected to showcase Nigeria’s best athletics talents as they battle for places at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
