Road To Glasgow 2026 Begins In Lagos As AFN Makes Commonwealth Games Trials Mandatory

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has officially set the stage for the race to the 2026 Commonwealth Games, announcing that Lagos will host the national trials that will determine Nigeria’s athletics representatives for Glasgow.

The trials, scheduled for June 20 to June 22 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, are expected to bring together the country’s top track and field athletes in a high-stakes battle for places on Team Nigeria.

In a statement released on Tuesday by AFN Media Committee Chairman Maxwell Kumoye, the federation declared participation in the trials compulsory for all athletes seeking Commonwealth Games qualification.

The announcement signals the beginning of an intense qualification campaign, with Lagos now positioned as the decisive battleground for athletes chasing dreams of competing in Scotland.

According to the federation, the three-day championship will feature 32 track and field events for both men and women.

However, the AFN has introduced strict qualification benchmarks for sprint events, restricting participation in the men’s and women’s 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres to athletes who have achieved prescribed standards during the qualification period.

All other track and field disciplines will remain open.

The federation said the move is designed to guarantee high-quality sprint competition while preserving wider participation across other events.

Athletes are expected to arrive in Lagos on June 19, with departures fixed for June 23.

To ease the burden on competitors, the federation also announced that accommodation would be provided for athletes who have met the required qualifying standards. The official list of eligible athletes is expected to be released shortly.

The trials are anticipated to produce fierce competition as established stars and emerging talents seek to convince selectors and secure coveted Commonwealth Games places.

AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, described the trials as a vital component of Nigeria’s Glasgow preparations and urged stakeholders and supporters to rally behind the athletes.

Okowa expressed confidence that the competition would help identify the country’s strongest talents ahead of the Games.

He also commended the National Sports Commission for its sustained support of athletics development and elite athlete performance in Nigeria.