The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has shifted the start of its 2026 Commonwealth Games national trials by one day following travel disruptions affecting several Nigerian athletes based in the United States.
The trials, originally scheduled for June 20 to 22 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, will now hold from June 21 to 23 at the same venue.
According to the federation, the decision was taken after an emergency meeting of the AFN board chaired by its president, Chief Tonobok Okowa, to accommodate athletes delayed by severe weather conditions in the U.S., including storms and flash flooding that led to widespread flight cancellations.
AFN officials said many affected athletes appealed for extra time to enable them arrive in Nigeria and compete in the national trials, which will determine Team Nigeria’s representatives for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The federation said the adjustment was made in the interest of fairness and athlete participation, while urging those already in Lagos to remain patient as their colleagues complete their journeys.
The rescheduled trials will open on Sunday, June 21, with events including the women’s 5,000m, men’s discus, 100m heats, high jump, long jump, and 800m finals.
Day two will feature race walking events, hammer throw, javelin, hurdles, and sprint semi-finals, while the final day will conclude with sprint hurdles, 200m races, and other key medal events.
The AFN said the trials remain crucial for selecting athletes to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow.
