Seventeen-year-old Nigerian quarter-miler Iyanuoluwa Aderemi produced a remarkable performance at the just concluded third edition of the Dynamic Athletics Meet 2026, showing just how rapidly she has developed in less than two months.

Competing at the Yaba Tech Sports Complex in Lagos on Saturday, August 15, Aderemi clocked an impressive 50.95 seconds to win the women’s 400m heat, comfortably lowering her previous personal best of 51.86 seconds, which she set at the National Trials on 21st June.

The improvement of 0.91 seconds in less than two months has marked a significant breakthrough for the young athlete and underlined her rapid progression in the event.

Her latest performance also caught the attention of Second Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Akuchukwu Aghazu, who was full of admiration for the teenager’s improvement.

“This would have won gold in Oregon, almost a second off her time in three months? Wow,” Aghazu said.

Aderemi was followed home by Esther Peter Okon, who finished in 51.52 seconds, while Onyinyechi Success Onu took third in 54.31.

Oluchi Ezeh was fourth in 55.11, with Joseph Joy Ayomide fifth in 55.57. Ayi Blessing Sekibo finished sixth in 55.79, while Ufuoma Merit was seventh in 57.63. Faith Ezechukwu did not start.

At 16 years old, at the 2019 African Games, Favour Ofili lowered her time from 52.28s recorded in April of the same year in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire to 51.68s in Rabat, Morocco in August 2019.

The Dynamic Athletics Meet has also attracted considerable support from former athletes and sports stakeholders, with financial incentives attached to several events.

Former Nigerian sprinter Olusoji Fasuba provided ₦200,000 for the 100m, while Endurance Ojokolo also offered ₦200,000.

In the 400m, Princess Mabel Madojiemu provided ₦200,000, while former Olympic medallist Enefiok Udo-Obong personally put up ₦500,000 each for the male and female winners, subject to performance conditions.

The male winner must run 45.50 seconds or faster, while the female winner must record 50.80 seconds or faster to qualify for the prize. The money is being provided personally by Udo-Obong and is not held by Dynamic Athletics.

The 800m events received ₦200,000 from former athlete and Caligeo Suites CEO, Gbolahan Fatuga, to be shared equally between the men’s and women’s races.

Winners in each gender category receive ₦50,000, second place ₦30,000 and third place ₦20,000.

Coach Felix Onoriode also provided ₦40,000 for the U-11 and U-15 100m winners, with ₦10,000 allocated to each of the four winning categories.

Caligeo Suites’ Boss Gbolahan Fatuga believes the financial incentives have added extra motivation to the athletes competed at the meet.

Reacting to Aderemi’s performance, he said: “Perhaps inspired by 1 million that another former quarter-miler had on the table for sub 50… She was so close.”

Aderemi’s progression from 51.86 seconds in June to 50.95 seconds on August 15 represents an extraordinary improvement in a very short period.

The teenager has taken nearly a full second off her personal best in less than two months, moving into the 50-second range and signalling that she could become an important figure in Nigeria’s future 400m programme.

For Aderemi, the Dynamic Athletics Meet was more than just another race. It was a clear demonstration of her rapid development and a reminder of the enormous potential within Nigeria’s emerging generation of quarter-milers.

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After Friday’s controversial disqualification of Miracles Ezechukwu, Team Nigeria produced another impressive performance at the ongoing 2026 World U-20 Athletics Championships in Oregon, securing qualification for the final of the women’s 4×400 metres relay.

The Nigerian quartet of Becky Ebiayadi, Jecinta Lawrence, Tejiri Praise Ugoh and Faith Ezechukwu clocked 3:35.28 to finish third in their heat and book their place in the medal-deciding final.

Nigeria’s performance was also a season’s best (SB), underlining the quartet’s strong showing on the championship stage.

Italy won the heat in a new World U-20 Record of 3:33.63, while Great Britain finished second in 3:33.82, with both nations also progressing automatically to the final.

The Nigerian team finished ahead of South Africa and the other teams in the heat to claim the third and final automatic qualification spot.

Under the championship qualification format, the first three teams in each heat advance to the final.

Nigeria’s qualification adds another exciting chapter to Team Nigeria’s campaign in Oregon, with the country continuing its pursuit of medals and strong performances at the global junior championships.

The women’s 4x400m final will provide Ebiayadi, Lawrence, Ugoh and Ezechukwu with another opportunity to challenge the world’s best junior relay teams and fight for a place on the podium.

With their season’s-best time already established in the heats, the Nigerian quartet will be hoping to raise their performance even further when the medals are decided.

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Maxwell Kumoye

Nigeria’s Miracle Ezechukwu has been left devastated after a controversial lane infringement ruling denied her a place in the women’s 200m final at the World U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Ezechukwu had produced one of the outstanding performances of the semifinal round, storming to an impressive 22.61 seconds to finish strongly and put herself in contention for a place in the final.

However, her joy was short-lived after officials disqualified the Nigerian teenage sensation for a lane infringement.

Nigeria subsequently lodged a protest in an attempt to have the decision overturned and secure Ezechukwu’s reinstatement for the final, but the appeal was rejected.

The decision has sparked disappointment among Nigerian athletics stakeholders, who believe the circumstances surrounding the ruling deserve greater scrutiny.

Ezechukwu was reportedly inconsolable after the decision, with the teenager spending much of the day in tears as she struggled to come to terms with the loss of an opportunity she had worked hard to earn.

The controversy has also revived concerns over officiating and technical expertise in Nigerian athletics, with stakeholders calling for more qualified and experienced personnel to be involved in major international competitions and in the interpretation and management of technical matters affecting Nigerian athletes.

The Ezechukwu case comes amid a series of recent incidents that have generated frustration within the Nigerian athletics community.

Rosemary Chukwuma was previously at the centre of controversy at the CAA Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana following her relegation from gold to silver in the women’s 100m final, while Nigeria’s relay team also suffered disappointment after initially finishing second before Canada’s disqualification was overturned and the Canadian team reinstated.

For many stakeholders, Ezechukwu’s case has therefore become another reminder of the need for stronger technical representation and better preparedness whenever Nigerian athletes compete at major championships.

While Ezechukwu’s campaign has ended in heartbreaking fashion, Nigeria will still have representation in the women’s 200m final through Oghene Success Oyibu.

Oyibu won her semifinal in 23.13 seconds, finishing ahead of South Africa’s Rume Burger, who clocked 23.18 seconds, to secure her place in the medal race.

The Nigerian, who owns a season’s best of 22.90 seconds, remains determined to finish the job in the final.

Speaking shortly after her semifinal, Oyibu said her strategy was simply to survive the difficult race and secure qualification.

“The race was good, I feel like I can do more, but the plan was to just survive. The semifinal was hard, the job was to just get in. Now it is time to just win.”

Oyibu also expressed happiness over Jessica Oji’s success in the shot put but said her attention was now fully focused on the 200m final.

“I am happy for Jessica’s win in the shot put, but now I am fully focused on my own final,” she added.

Meanwhile, Precious Ebitimi Opinion finished seventh in the men’s triple jump final with a best effort of 15.82m.

Michael-Andre Matthew Edwards won the event with a leap of 17.08m, while America’s Miles Nesmith and China’s Zhuoyue Wang completed the podium.

For Nigeria, however, the biggest talking point remains Ezechukwu’s controversial exit and the growing demand from athletics stakeholders for more qualified technical officials and stronger representation to ensure Nigerian athletes are not left at the mercy of questionable or disputed decisions on the international stage.

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Team Nigeria’s medal haul at the 2026 Commonwealth Games received another major boost on Thursday as Chukwuebuka Enekwechi produced a championship-winning throw of 21.07m to claim the men’s shot put gold medal at Scotstoun Stadium.

The Nigerian star edged out New Zealand’s Tom Walsh, who settled for silver with 21.03m, in one of the closest field event contests of the Games. England’s Scott Lincoln completed the podium after throwing 20.99m to take bronze.

Enekwechi’s winning effort proved enough to separate him from a world-class field, with just four centimetres dividing the top three finishers in a thrilling final.

South Africa’s Aiden Smith placed fourth with 20.31m, while India’s Tajinderpal Singh Toor and Australia’s Nick Palmer both recorded 20.27m to finish fifth and sixth respectively.

The victory adds another gold medal to Team Nigeria’s impressive athletics campaign in Glasgow and further underlines Enekwechi’s status as one of Africa’s leading throwers.

His composure under pressure ensured Nigeria finished on top in an event featuring several seasoned international competitors.

With the triumph, Enekwechi continues Nigeria’s strong showing at the Commonwealth Games, delivering yet another memorable moment for the country’s athletics team as they chase more medals before the end of the competition.

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The day’s programme begins in the morning with Jami Schlueter opening his men’s decathlon campaign in the 100m before returning later for the long jump and shot put as he continues his quest for valuable points in the multi-event competition.

In the men’s javelin throw qualification, African champion Chinecherem Nnamdi will be aiming to secure one of the qualifying spots for the final.

One of the biggest attractions of the morning session will be world record holder Tobi Amusan, who begins her women’s 100m hurdles campaign in the opening-round heats. The Nigerian sprint hurdler will be seeking a smooth passage into the final scheduled for later in the evening.

The afternoon session shifts attention to the women’s 400m semi-finals, where Nigeria will be represented by Patience Okon-George, Esther Elo Joseph and Ella Onojuvwevwo as they battle for places in the medal race.

In the men’s 400m, Samuel Ogazi and Edidiong Udo will also chase qualification for the final after impressive performances in the opening round.

Nigeria’s medal hopes will continue in the evening as Chukwuebuka Enekwechi competes in the men’s shot put final, looking to add another podium finish to Team Nigeria’s campaign.

Sprint star Udodi Onwuzurike will line up in the men’s 200m semi-finals after advancing from the heats, while Obi Jennifer Chukwuka and Olayinka Olajide will fly Nigeria’s flag in the women’s 200m semi-finals with hopes of reaching the final.

In para-athletics, Unyima Uwak will compete in the women’s T47 100m final, while Obiageri Amaechi will contest the women’s discus throw final as Nigeria continues its push for medals across multiple events.

Away from the track and field arena, Oyindamola Tijani will represent Nigeria in the men’s tandem B 1000m time trial final in track cycling.

Should Amusan progress from the morning heats, she will return later in the evening for the women’s 100m hurdles final, where she will be aiming to add another Commonwealth Games title to her illustrious career.

With finals, semi-finals and qualification events spread across the day, Team Nigeria faces one of its busiest schedules of the Games, with several athletes carrying the nation’s hopes of adding to its medal haul.

Signed
Maxwell Kumoye
Chairman Media Committee,
Athletics Federation of Nigeria

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Nigeria added another medal to its growing tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Tuesday as Temitope Simbiat Adeshina claimed bronze in the women’s high jump, while Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme produced a sensational performance to shatter the men’s 100m Commonwealth Games record.

Adeshina, Nigeria’s national record holder, cleared 1.90m to finish third in a high-quality final won by Australia’s Eleanor Patterson, who regained the Commonwealth title with a clearance of 1.96m, 12 years after winning her first gold. World champion Nicola Olyslagers settled for silver after failing to clear the winning height.

The bronze medal marked another impressive achievement for Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent, with Adeshina maintaining her consistency on the international stage.

The biggest talking point of the evening, however, came in the men’s 100m final, where Cameroon’s two-time African champion Emmanuel Eseme stormed to victory in a stunning Commonwealth Games record of 9.83 seconds.

Eseme, who was trailing for much of the race before producing a devastating late surge over the final metres, erased the previous Games record of 9.86 seconds set by Trinidad and Tobago’s Ato Boldon 28 years ago in Kuala Lumpur.

Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy finished a close second in 9.85 seconds, setting a new area record, while Nigeria’s Kayinsola Ajayi, one of the pre-race favourites, claimed the bronze medal in 9.90 seconds.

Eseme’s remarkable victory is made even more extraordinary by his unconventional journey to the top.

The 32-year-old only began sprinting at the age of 24 but has now etched his name into Commonwealth Games history with one of the fastest performances ever seen at the event.

Elsewhere, Nigeria’s Oyesade Olatoye placed eighth in the women’s hammer throw final with a best effort of 63.27m, as Canada’s Camryn Rogers dominated the competition with a Games record throw of 74.91m.

In the boxing competition, Nigeria’s Patricia Mbata bowed out in the women’s 75kg quarter-finals after a narrow 3-2 split decision defeat to England’s Mary Kate Smith, ending her hopes of a medal.

The day nevertheless ended on a positive note for Team Nigeria, with Adeshina’s bronze adding to the country’s athletics medal haul, while Ajayi’s podium finish in the men’s 100m underlined Nigeria’s continued strength in the sprint events despite Eseme’s record-breaking run for Cameroon.

Meanwhile, Team Nigeria will resume its quest for more medals on Wednesday with athletes competing across sprint events, field competitions and para-athletics as the country’s athletics campaign gathers momentum in Glasgow.

The day’s action begins at 10:30am with the opening round of the women’s 200 metres.

Jennifer Obi Chukwuka will line up in Heat Four from lane three, while Olayinka Olajide, who boasts a season’s best of 23.14 seconds, competes in Heat Five from lane five as both athletes seek qualification for the next round.

Nigeria’s hopes in the field events will then rest on Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, who returns to action in the men’s shot put qualification at 11:05am.

Competing in Group B, Enekwechi will throw sixth in the order with a season’s best mark of 21.74 metres, aiming to secure a place in the final.

Attention will shift back to the track at 11:32am for the men’s 200 metres first round. Alaba Akintola will compete in Heat Two from lane five, while Udodi Onwuzurike, one of Nigeria’s leading sprint prospects, takes to the track in Heat Five, also from lane five.

Onwuzurike enters the event with a season’s best of 20.18 seconds, while Akintola has clocked 20.33 seconds this season.

The evening session opens at 7:00pm with the women’s F42/44 discus throw final, where Goodness Nwachukwu and Destiny Agbo will battle for podium places.

Nwachukwu enters the competition with a season’s best throw of 36.56 metres, while Agbo’s best this season stands at 31.84 metres.

One of Nigeria’s strongest medal hopes comes at 7:33pm when African record holder Ezekiel Nathaniel begins his campaign in the men’s 400 metres hurdles.

Drawn in lane seven of Heat Two, Nathaniel carries a season’s best of 47.37 seconds and will be aiming for a smooth passage into the semi finals.

The women’s shot put final follows at 8:01pm, with Jessica Oji representing Nigeria. The 19-year-old, who has a season’s best of 18.50 metres, will throw seventh in the order as she targets a place on the podium.

Nigeria’s schedule concludes at 9:12pm with the men’s T47 100 metres final, where Ifeanyi Christain will compete from lane two in the para-athletics event, hoping to add another medal to Team Nigeria’s growing haul.

With several of the country’s leading athletes in action across both track and field, Wednesday promises to be another crucial day for Team Nigeria as it seeks to build on its impressive performances at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

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The athletics competition at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow gets underway with Nigeria’s Kanyinsola Ajayi among a select group of elite sprinters who have been granted automatic qualification to the men’s 100 metres semi-finals based on their world rankings.

Ajayi, Nigeria’s national record holder, will skip the preliminary rounds and begin his campaign directly in the semi-finals, thanks to his impressive standing on the global rankings.

Also receiving byes into the semi-finals are South Africa’s Gift Leotlela, Jamaica’s Ackeem Blake, Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala, Canada’s Jerome Blake, Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme, and Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy.

The automatic qualification recognises the athletes’ performances and rankings on the international circuit, allowing them to join the competition at the semi-final stage.

For Team Nigeria, Ajayi’s direct entry underlines his status as one of the Commonwealth’s leading sprinters and strengthens the country’s medal hopes in the blue-riband event.

With several of the world’s fastest men set to line up in the semi-finals, the men’s 100 metres promises to be one of the standout events as athletics begins at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

All eyes will be on Ajayi as he seeks to book a place in the final and challenge for a place on the podium.

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Team Nigeria will parade a formidable 29-member athletics contingent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as the country intensifies its quest for medals on one of the biggest multi-sport stages in the Commonwealth.

The athletics team comprises 16 female and 13 male athletes, blending experienced campaigners with exciting young talents expected to make their mark in Glasgow.

Among the notable names are world record holder Tobi Amusan, red hot sprinter, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Rosemary Chukwuma, Favour Ashe, Patience George, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Temitope Adeshina, Esther Joseph, Blessing Ogundiran, and rising stars Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter, who recently switched their sporting allegiance to represent Nigeria.

The inclusion of the two young athletes has been described as a significant boost for the country’s athletics programme.

Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, expressed confidence in the quality of the squad, insisting that the team possesses the talent, determination and unity required to compete with the best at the Games.

“We are heading to Glasgow with one of the strongest athletics teams Nigeria has assembled in recent years. The athletes have shown tremendous commitment in training, and everyone is focused on representing the country with pride,” Aghazu said.

She reserved special praise for 19-year-old Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter, describing both athletes as dedicated competitors who have embraced the opportunity to wear Nigeria’s colours.

“Jessica and Jami have settled in remarkably well. They are extremely dedicated, disciplined and eager to contribute to Nigeria’s success. They are putting in the right shift every day because they want to help put Nigeria firmly on the global athletics map. Their commitment has been outstanding, and we are delighted to have them in the Nigerian family,” she added.

Aghazu also credited the National Sports Commission (NSC) leadership for creating an environment that has encouraged talented athletes abroad to believe in Nigeria once again.

“The credit must go to the leadership of the National Sports Commission under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Honourable Bukola Olopade. They have opened the space for young Nigerian athletes to believe in their country again. Their support, vision and commitment are helping to rebuild confidence and strengthen Team Nigeria.”

The AFN executive further commended the Federal Government for providing the necessary backing ahead of the Games.

“The support from the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission has been encouraging. Our athletes have been given the platform to prepare properly, and the atmosphere around the team has been very positive. We appreciate the confidence reposed in the athletes and we are determined to justify that support with strong performances in Glasgow.”

According to Aghazu, the atmosphere in Team Nigeria’s training camp in Aberdeen has been one of unity, discipline and shared purpose, with athletes motivating one another as they fine-tune preparations for the competition.

“There is a wonderful spirit in camp. The athletes are united, the coaches are working tirelessly, and everyone understands the responsibility of representing over 200 million Nigerians. The environment has been friendly, professional and highly motivating, and that gives us confidence going into the Games.”

With a balanced squad featuring established stars and promising youngsters, Nigeria will be aiming to reinforce its status as one of Africa’s athletics powerhouses when competition begins in Glasgow.

The AFN believes the blend of experience, youthful energy and improved support structure provides the foundation for another memorable outing at the Commonwealth Games.

The athletics event at the Games begins on Monday the 27th of July and it will last for six exciting and equally challenging days.

It’s important to state that the President of the Athletics Federation (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa has joined the team in Scotland after his working trip to Egypt and Tunisia.

Okowa, a Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), was honoured in Egypt by Egypt Athletics Federation for his developmental stride in Africa.

Similarly Tunisia Athletics did the same for Okowa who is also the President of CAA Region 2.

SIGNED
Maxwell Kumoye
Chairman Media Committee,
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).

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PRESS RELEASE

Samuel Ogazi Turns Professional After Historic NCAA Career
…Athletics Station Hails Bold Career Move

Nigeria’s sprint sensation, Samuel Ogazi, has officially announced his decision to turn professional, bringing the curtain down on a remarkable collegiate career with the University of Alabama that established him as one of the greatest 400m runners in NCAA history.

The quarter-miler who turned 20 last month, elected to forgo his remaining NCAA eligibility after three extraordinary seasons in the United States, where he evolved from a promising youngster into one of the world’s fastest one-lap runners.

His decision follows a sensational 2026 campaign in which he rewrote record books and elevated Nigerian athletics to unprecedented heights.

Ogazi’s final collegiate season ranks among the greatest ever by a 400m athlete. Just two weeks ago, the Nigerian blazed to an astonishing 43.38 seconds to win the NCAA Outdoor Championship, shattering the NCAA record and becoming the fourth-fastest man in history over the distance.

Earlier in the year, he claimed the NCAA Indoor 400m title in an African indoor record of 44.57 seconds, making him the fourth-fastest indoor performer ever at the time.

He also swept the SEC indoor and outdoor 400m titles in 2026 after defending his outdoor crown from 2025.

His collegiate résumé is equally impressive, featuring back-to-back NCAA Outdoor 400m titles in 2025 and 2026, following a silver medal finish in 2024.

Throughout his career, Ogazi consistently lowered the Nigerian 400m record, taking it from 44.02 seconds to 43.95, then 43.82, before producing the historic 43.38 seconds.

The 1.95m tall athlete also set multiple University of Alabama records and leaves as the fastest 400m runner in NCAA history.

Reacting to the development, Athletics Station, a leading voice and key stakeholder in the development and promotion of athletics in Nigeria, described Ogazi’s decision as a defining moment for both the athlete and Nigerian track and field.

“We are absolutely delighted with Samuel Ogazi’s decision to turn professional. He has conquered the collegiate ranks and leaves as arguably the greatest 400m athlete in NCAA history. There is little left for him to prove at that level, and this is the natural next step in his journey,” Athletics Station said.

The organisation added that Ogazi’s rise is a testament to his discipline, resilience and relentless pursuit of excellence.

“Samuel has shown the world that Nigerian athletes can compete with and outperform the very best. His progression from breaking the national record to becoming the fourth-fastest man in history has been phenomenal. We are confident that with the right professional guidance, he will become a global force and a consistent medal contender on the international stage.”

Athletics Station also urged Nigerians to rally behind the young star as he begins life on the professional circuit.

“This is a proud moment for Nigerian athletics. Samuel Ogazi represents the future of the sport in our country. As he embarks on this new chapter, he deserves the full support of the athletics community, sponsors and fans. We have every reason to believe that even greater achievements lie ahead.”

With his collegiate chapter now complete, all eyes will be on Ogazi as he takes on the world’s elite in the professional ranks, carrying with him the hopes of a nation and the confidence that his best performances are still to come.

SIGNED
Media Core,

Athletics Station Management

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The successful staging of the just-concluded Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Commonwealth Games Trials has drawn widespread commendation for the improved organisation, professionalism and timely conclusion of events at the Yaba College of Technology venue.

Unlike the previous edition, which was affected by significant delays and saw some events left inconclusive following nightfall on the final day, this year’s trials were widely hailed as a major step forward for Nigerian athletics.

All events were completed on schedule, with athletes able to leave the venue before nightfall, a development that reflected the stronger coordination and commitment of officials across several departments.

Athletics Station a leading voice and a key stakeholder in athletics praised the key figures and groups whose efforts ensured that the competition was conducted smoothly.

“From the opening event to the final race, there was a clear improvement in planning, coordination and execution,” Athletics Station said.

“The Commonwealth Games Trials showed what can be achieved when the right people are given responsibility and every department is committed to delivering a successful championship.”

Special praise has gone to AFN Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu; General Omatseye Nesiama; Yusuf Alli; Chief Mary Onyali; Gabriel Opuana; Roasters Athletics; and the Call Room officials for their contributions to the successful conduct of the trials.

General Nesiama was particularly commended for what Athletics Station described as his near-perfect coordination of the championships.

“General Nesiama brought calm, structure and near-perfect coordination to the trials,” Athletics Station stated. “His ability to ensure that activities moved according to schedule played a major role in preventing the delays that affected previous editions.”

Yusuf Alli, the boss of the Elite Podium Finish Committee, also received praise for his attention to detail, keen eyes and data-driven approach throughout the competition.

“Yusuf Alli’s keen eyes and strong data analysis were invaluable,” Athletics Station said. “As head of the Elite Podium Finish Committee, he ensured that performances were properly assessed and that deserving athletes received the attention they earned on the track and in the field.”

The leadership of the National Sports Commission, led by Director-General Honourable Bukola Olopade, also received recognition, alongside Nigeria Olympic Committee Vice President Chief Solomon Ogba and AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa.

“The support of the National Sports Commission, the Nigeria Olympic Committee and the AFN leadership gave the trials the backing required to succeed,” Athletics Station added.

The financial incentives provided by Akuchukwu Aghazu, Mary Onyali, Kunle Oguneye, Gbolahan Fatuga and other supporters for outstanding home-based athletes also added extra motivation to the competition, with athletes responding positively to the opportunity to earn rewards for their performances.

“The rewards for home-based athletes brought added energy and purpose to the trials,” Athletics Station noted. “It was a strong reminder that athletes training within Nigeria deserve encouragement, recognition and meaningful support.”

The smooth conduct of the trials has been described as a welcome sign for Nigerian athletics, particularly as the country prepares its athletes for major international competitions.

“Last year, some events could not be concluded because of delays and nightfall. This time, every event was completed and athletes left the venue in good time,” Athletics Station said.

“That is progress. That is professionalism. Athletics Station says bravo to everyone who worked behind the scenes and on the field to make the Commonwealth Games Trials a huge success.”

SIGNED
Maxwell Kumoye
Chairman Media Committee,
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN)

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