Amusan, Brume Make AFN Commonwealth Games List Despite Missing Lagos Trials
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has named world record holder Tobi Amusan, long jump star Ese Brume and sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi among the 29 athletes invited to camp ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, despite their absence from the national trials held in Lagos.
The selection has sparked debate after the federation had maintained that participation in the Commonwealth Games trials at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex would be a compulsory requirement for selection to Team Nigeria.
Several athletes who competed at the Lagos trials and posted notable performances were omitted from the final list, while Amusan, Brume and Ajayi secured places despite not participating in the event.
In a statement announcing the squad, the AFN explained that the invited athletes were selected based on performances at the recently concluded national trials as well as the current records of athletes who could not attend due to visa-related challenges.
“The athletes made up of 14 male and 15 female were drawn from the result of the just concluded national trials at Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos and current records of other athletes who were not able to make it to the Lagos trials because of visa issues,” the federation stated.
AFN Secretary-General Israel Inwang directed all invited athletes to report to the National Sports Commission’s Commonwealth Games camp in Abuja from June 25 for preparations ahead of the Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Nigeria’s athletics team will compete in 18 events, including the men’s and women’s 4x100m relays and the mixed 4x400m relay.
AFN President Tonobok Okowa wished the athletes, coaches and officials a successful camping programme as preparations intensify for the Games.
At a Glance: AFN’s 29 Invited Athletes
Men (14)
Sprints (100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay):
Kanyinsola Ajayi
Alaba Akintola
Favour Ashe
Chidera Ezeakor
Adekalu Fakorede
Israel Okon
Udodi Onwuzurike
400m / Mixed Relay:
Samuel Ogazi
Edidiong Udo
John Tyler
Ezekiel Nathaniel
Field Events:
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Shot Put)
Chinecherem Nnamdi (Javelin)
Jami Schluter (Decathlon)
Women (15)
Sprints (100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay):
Blessing Ogundiran
Rosemary Chukwuma
Tima Godbless
Miracle Ezechukwu
Olayinka Olajide
Obi Chukwuka
Tobi Amusan (100m Hurdles)
400m / Mixed Relay:
Patience Okon-George
Ella Onojuvwevwo
Favour Onyah
Esther Joseph
Field Events:
Temitope Adeshina (High Jump)
Ese Brume (Long Jump)
Jessica Oji (Shot Put)
Oyesade Olatoye (Hammer Throw)
The decision to include athletes who missed the trials is expected to remain a talking point as stakeholders continue to assess the federation’s adherence to its stated selection criteria.
