Glasgow 2026: AFN makes national trials compulsory for Commonwealth Games hopefuls

Athletes hoping to represent Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, must now compete in mandatory national trials, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) announced. The trials are set to take place from June 20 to 22 at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos.

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The federation said the trials will hold from 20 to 22 June at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex, where athletes will battle for places on Team Nigeria ahead of the Games.

According to a statement from AFN Media Committee chairman Maxwell Kumoye, the event is a critical stage in Nigeria's preparations for the Commonwealth Games. The AFN emphasized that participation is non-negotiable for any athlete aspiring to make the national team, establishing the trials as the definitive selection platform for Glasgow 2026.

The three-day championship will encompass 32 track and field events for both men and women. However, a stricter standard applies to the 100m, 200m, and 400m sprint events. Only athletes who have met the federation's prescribed qualifying standards will be permitted to compete in these specific disciplines. All other events remain open to eligible competitors.

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The AFN stressed that participation in the trials is mandatory for all athletes aspiring to make the national team, effectively making the competition the primary selection platform for Glasgow 2026.

The AFN explained that this benchmark for sprints aims to ensure only top-performing athletes compete in these high-profile races while maintaining broad participation across other events. Athletes are expected to arrive in Lagos on June 19, with departures scheduled for June 23. The federation will provide accommodation for athletes who have achieved the required standards during the qualification period.

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However, participation in the men’s and women’s 100m, 200m and 400m events will be restricted to athletes who have attained the qualifying standards prescribed by the federation.

Nigeria, recognized as one of Africa's traditional athletics powerhouses, anticipates intense competition for the limited slots available for the Commonwealth Games. AFN President Tonobok Okowa urged stakeholders and fans to support the athletes, calling the trials a significant milestone in the nation's build-up to the Games. He also acknowledged the National Sports Commission's ongoing support, which has bolstered efforts to develop athletics and enhance elite athlete performance.

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The federation said the benchmark was introduced to ensure that only athletes in top form compete in the sprint events while maintaining broad participation across other disciplines.