Glasgow 2026: Nigerian athletes set for national trials in Lagos

Editor

The race for places on Team Nigeria to the 2026 Commonwealth Games has officially begun, with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) announcing dates for the national trials. The meet will determine the country’s track and field representatives for the Glasgow Games.

The trials will be held from June 20 to June 22 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, bringing together some of the nation’s finest athletes in what promises to be a fiercely contested competition.

For Nigerian athletes dreaming of competing at the Commonwealth Games, the trials represent the most crucial hurdle in the qualification process.

The AFN has stated that participation in the trials is mandatory for all athletes.

With national pride, international exposure and Commonwealth Games glory at stake, athletes across the country are already intensifying preparations for what is expected to be one of the most competitive national championships in recent years.

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.

While 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.

The federation believes the arrangement will ensure that only athletes in top form contest the sprint events while maintaining broad participation across other disciplines.

According to the AFN, athletes are expected to arrive in Lagos on Friday, June 19, while departures have been scheduled for Tuesday, June 23.

The federation also announced that accommodation will be provided for athletes who have attained the required standards during the qualification period. The list of athletes who have met the stipulated benchmarks is expected to be released in the coming days.

The trials are expected to produce thrilling contests across several events as athletes seek to impress selectors and book their places on the flight to Scotland. With Nigeria traditionally regarded as one of Africa’s strongest athletics nations, competition for the available slots is expected to be intense.

As the countdown to Glasgow gathers momentum, attention now shifts to Lagos, where dreams will be realized, ambitions tested, and places on Team Nigeria earned.