AFN postpones Commonwealth Games trials due to athlete travel delays
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has shifted the start of its national trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games by one day. The change comes after several Nigerian athletes based in the United States faced travel disruptions caused by severe weather and flight cancellations. Maxwell Kumoye, Head of the AFN Media Committee, announced the decision, which was made after an emergency meeting led by Chief Tonobok Okowa. The trials will now begin a day later at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos.
Match highlights
- The trials, originally set for Saturday, June 20 to June 22, will now run from Sunday, June 21 to June 23 at the same venue.
- Severe weather in the United States, including heavy rain and flooding, prevented some athletes from traveling as planned.
- The trials will determine Nigeria’s representatives for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.
- The opening day will feature finals in the women’s 5,000m, men’s discus, men’s high jump, and heats for the 100m and 400m events.
- The AFN appealed for understanding from athletes already in Lagos and assured all stakeholders that the decision was made in the best interest of the competitors.
