Glasgow Race: AFN announces dates for National Trials

By Amaechi Agbo

The race for places on Team Nigeria to the 2026 Commonwealth Games has officially begun, with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) announcing dates for the national trials that will determine the country’s track and field representatives for Glasgow, Scotland.
The highly anticipated trials will hold from June 20 to June 22, 2026, at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos, bringing together some of the nation’s finest athletes in what promises to be a fiercely contested competition.
For Nigerian athletes dreaming of competing at the Commonwealth Games, the trials represent the most crucial hurdle in the qualification process.
The AFN has made it clear that participation in the trials is mandatory for any athlete hoping to secure a place on Team Nigeria, making the Lagos event a make-or-break opportunity for established stars and emerging talents alike.
With national pride, international exposure and Commonwealth Games glory at stake, athletes across the country are already intensifying preparations for what is expected to be one of the most competitive national championships in recent years.
The three-day event will feature 32 track and field events for both men and women, providing opportunities for athletes to stake their claims for selection.
While participation in the men’s and women’s 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres will be restricted to athletes who have achieved the prescribed qualifying standards, all other track and field events will remain open for participation.
The federation believes the arrangement will ensure that only athletes in top form contest the sprint events while maintaining broad participation across other disciplines.
According to the AFN, athletes are expected to arrive in Lagos on Friday, June 19, while departures have been scheduled for Tuesday, June 23.
To further support athletes in their quest for qualification, the federation announced that accommodation will be provided for athletes who have attained the required standards during the qualification period. The list of athletes who have met the stipulated benchmarks is expected to be released in the coming days.