By Ado Salisu
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has shifted the 2026 Commonwealth Games national trials by one day to accommodate athletes stranded in the United States due to severe weather.
The trials, initially slated for June 20-22, will now hold from June 21-23 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos.
AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, disclosed the change after an emergency board meeting in Lagos on Thursday.
Several Nigeria athletes based in the US were unable to travel as scheduled following widespread flight cancellations triggered by heavy rain, storms and flash floods in Atlanta, Montgomery and other parts of Alabama, the federation said.
“Many of the affected athletes appealed for more time to arrive in Nigeria and compete in these crucial trials,” Okowa stated. “We moved the event forward by one day in the best interest of all stakeholders, especially the athletes whose travel plans were disrupted by this natural disaster.”
The AFN added that the affected athletes remain committed to representing Nigeria and are making frantic efforts to arrive before the new date.
The federation appealed to athletes already in Lagos for understanding, while wishing their colleagues safe travels.
The national trials will determine Nigeria’s contingent for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with top track and field athletes expected to battle for spots on Team Nigeria.
