Nigeria’s fastest man, Kayinsola Ajayi, and world-leading quarter-miler Samuel Ogazi headline a list of 29 athletes invited by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) as preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games gather momentum, Trybal News reports.
The athletes are converging today at the National Sports Commission’s Commonwealth Games training camp in Abuja for an intensive camping programme aimed at fine-tuning Nigeria’s medal prospects ahead of the Games.
According to an official statement released by the federation, the invited athletes comprise 14 men and 15 women selected from performances at the recently concluded National Trials held at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos. The AFN also considered athletes who were unable to participate in the trials due to visa-related issues but whose recent performances and records warranted inclusion.
The statement, signed by AFN Media Coordinator Dr. Kola Oredipe, confirmed that invitation letters had been issued to all selected athletes. The letters, signed by AFN Secretary-General Israel Inwang, directed the athletes to report to camp from June 25.
Nigeria’s athletics team is expected to compete in 18 events at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, covering track and field disciplines, including the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays and the mixed 4x400m relay.
Leading the men’s sprint team are Ajayi, Favour Ashe, Udodi Onwuzurike, Alaba Akintola, Chidera Ezeakor, Adekalu Fakorede and Israel Okon. In the quarter-mile events, Samuel Ogazi, Edidiong Udo, Tyler Johnson and 400m hurdler Ezekiel Nathaniel will spearhead Nigeria’s challenge.
The men’s field events squad features African shot put record holder Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, javelin thrower Chinecherem Nnamdi and decathlete Jami Schlueter.
On the women’s side, the sprint contingent includes Rosemary Chukwuma, Tima Godbless, Miracle Ezechukwu, Olayinka Olajide, Obi Chukwuka and Blessing Ogundiran, while world record holder Tobi Amusan leads Nigeria’s hopes in the 100m hurdles.
The women’s quarter-mile and relay team comprises Patience Okon-George, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Favour Onyah and Esther Joseph. In the field events, Temitope Adeshina (high jump), Ese Brume (long jump), Jessica Oji (shot put) and Oyesade Olatoye (hammer throw) complete the squad.
AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa expressed confidence in the athletes and officials, wishing them a successful and productive camping exercise as preparations intensify for the Commonwealth Games.
With a blend of established international stars and emerging talents, Nigeria will be aiming to assemble a formidable athletics team capable of challenging for honours on the Commonwealth stage in 2026.
