By Ado Salisu
The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Chief Tonobok Okowa, has welcomed athletes to Lagos ahead of the 2026 All Nigeria Athletics Championships/National Trials scheduled for June 20-22.
In a statement signed by AFN Media Coordinator Dr. Kolawole Oredipe on Thursday, Okowa said he was impressed by the large turnout of foreign and home-based athletes for the 3-day trials at Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Yaba.
He urged competitors to prioritise safety, avoid doping, and maintain discipline on and off the track.
“I welcome our valued athletes, both foreign and Nigerian-based, to Lagos for this national trial. Observe safety and security protocols, maintain discipline and professionalism. Our technical officials will be fair and deliver to World Athletics standards. Compete fairly and give your very best. We expect new records and personal bests,” Okowa said.
The AFN president expressed delight at athletes’ recent form and said he expects several national records to fall during the trials.
Okowa also commended state athletics associations, clubs, coaches and other stakeholders fielding athletes. He assured them that selection for Nigeria’s team to the Glasgow Commonwealth Games next month would be based strictly on merit, performance and current form.
He thanked the National Sports Commission and other partners for supporting the trials, and urged athletics fans to troop to Yabatech to witness top Nigerian stars in races, throws and jumps.
