By; Sunny Canto
Expectedly, the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has announced that its National Trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from June 20th till 22nd, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex, Lagos.
The three-day competition will serve as the selection event for Team Nigeria's track and field athletes ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
According to a statement issued by the AFN Media Coordinator, Dr. Kola Oredipe, athletes and officials are expected to arrive on Friday, June 19, while departure is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23rd, 2026.
More also, the trials will feature 32 events for both Men and Women, with the Federation's Technical Committee, led by Mr. Gabriel Okon, already releasing the qualifying standards for Nigerian-based and foreign-based athletes.
The statement explained that participation in the Men's and Women's 100m, 200m, and 400m events will be restricted to athletes who have achieved the prescribed qualifying standards, while all other track and field events will remain open for participation.
AFN also confirmed that accommodation will be provided for athletes who have attained the required standards within the qualification period. A list of qualified athletes is expected to be released in due course.
Meanwhile, AFN Secretary-General, Mr. Israel Inwang, has dispatched invitation letters to State Directors of Sports, Chairman of State Athletics Associations, Coaches, Managers, Military and Paramilitary athletics bodies, as well as athletics clubs across the country.
While the AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, has called on stakeholders, athletics enthusiasts, and fans nationwide to prepare for the championships and support the Nation's athletes as they compete for places on Team Nigeria.
Okowa also expressed appreciation to the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support of the Federation and Nigerian athletes.
