Nigeria’s quest for success at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow will gather momentum this weekend as the nation’s leading track and field athletes converge on the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos for the highly anticipated Commonwealth Games Trials.
The three-day championship, scheduled from June 20 to 22, will serve as the official selection event for athletes seeking to secure places on Team Nigeria ahead of the Games in Scotland later this year.
With 32 events on the programme, the trials are expected to produce thrilling contests, elite performances and intense competition as home-based athletes take on a formidable crop of Nigerian stars competing in the United States collegiate system.
Amusan Returns as Favourite
World champion and African record holder Tobi Amusan headlines a star-studded field in the women’s 100m hurdles.
The Nigerian sprint hurdler has enjoyed an impressive season, successfully defending her African title and delivering strong performances on the Diamond League circuit. Amusan finished third in Shanghai, second in Xiamen and secured victory in Rabat, where she equalled her season’s best of 12.28 seconds and set a new meeting record.
The 29-year-old also recently claimed gold at the New Taipei Athletics Open in Taiwan with a meet-record time of 12.72 seconds.
Adaobi Tabogo is expected to provide the stiffest challenge as Amusan aims to reinforce her dominance on home soil.
Men’s 100m Set for Explosive Contest
One of the most anticipated events of the trials will be the men’s 100m, where NCAA sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi arrives in sensational form.
Ajayi recently broke Olusoji Fasuba’s long-standing Nigerian record after clocking 9.84 seconds at the NCAA East Regional Championships. He further underlined his exceptional speed by recording a wind-assisted 9.72 seconds at the NCAA Championships.
However, the sprint crown will not come easily, with Chidera Ezeakor, Enoch Adegoke, Israel Okon and Favour Ashe all expected to challenge for top honours.
The women’s sprint races are equally stacked with talent, featuring Blessing Ogundiran, Rosemary Nwankwo, Rosemary Chukwuma, Maria Thompson and rising teenage star Miracle Ezechukwu.
Ogazi Eyes Another Statement Performance
Another athlete attracting significant attention is Samuel Ogazi, whose remarkable rise has made him one of Nigeria’s brightest prospects.
The University of Alabama athlete recently posted a personal best of 43.38 seconds in the 400m, moving to the top of the global rankings and cementing his status as a major contender on the international stage.
Ogazi will compete against Ezekiel Asuquo, Gafari Badmus and Sikiru Adeyemi in what promises to be a highly competitive event.
In the women’s 400m, Ella Onojuvwevwo leads a talented field that includes Jecinta Lawrence, Esther Okon, Toheebat Jimoh and experienced campaigner Patience Okon-George.
Meanwhile, African record holder Ezekiel Nathaniel is widely tipped to dominate the men’s 400m hurdles after another outstanding season against world-class opposition.
Field Events Packed with Medal Prospects
The field events will also showcase some of Nigeria’s biggest athletics stars.
Shot put specialist Chukwuebuka Enekwechi arrives in Lagos after an impressive international campaign, having won gold at the Znamensky Memorial in Russia before finishing second at the Golden Spikes Meeting in the Czech Republic. His African record throw of 22.10m remains a continental benchmark.
The men’s javelin event will feature NCAA champion Chinecherem Nnamdi, who recently threw a personal best of 82.26m and became the first Nigerian male athlete to win an NCAA javelin title.
High jumper Temitope Adeshina is another athlete expected to command attention after completing a remarkable NCAA indoor and outdoor championship double this season.
In the women’s long jump, Commonwealth Games champion Ese Brume will seek to demonstrate why she remains one of Nigeria’s most accomplished athletes, boasting an impressive collection of global and continental medals.
Prize Money Boost for Athletes
Adding further excitement to the championships is the introduction of financial rewards for outstanding home-based athletes and coaches.
More than ₦3 million has been set aside for the Excellence in Athletics Prize, sponsored by Athletics Federation of Nigeria Second Vice-President Aku Aghazu in honour of her late father, Ben Aghazu.
The initiative has also attracted support from former athletes and stakeholders, including Gbolahan Fatuga and Kunle Oguneye, who will reward winners in the women’s 200m and 400m events.
Organisers say efforts are already underway to expand the prize fund for future editions of the national championships.
With Olympic medallists, world champions, African record holders and NCAA stars all set to compete, the Commonwealth Games Trials promise three days of elite athletics as Nigeria’s finest battle for the chance to represent the nation in Glasgow.