As Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games Trials take centre stage this weekend at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos, the nation’s finest athletes will battle for places on Team Nigeria for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
With the trials serving as the primary qualification pathway for selection, the competition is expected to deliver world-class performances across the track and field.
From record-breaking sprinters to established field-event stars, several athletes arrive in Lagos as strong medal prospects for Nigeria on the international stage.
Here are 20 Nigerian athletes to watch closely during the highly anticipated trials.
Men’s Sprints and Hurdles
Kanyinsola Ajayi
Ajayi heads into the trials as one of Nigeria’s hottest sprint prospects.
The speedster recently stormed to a remarkable 9.84 seconds in the 100m, breaking a 20-year-old Nigerian record and establishing himself among the world’s elite sprinters.
Favour Ashe
A proven sub-10-second sprinter, Ashe remains one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers.
His impressive indoor personal best of 6.51 seconds in the 60m highlights his explosive speed and championship pedigree.
Israel Okon
The Nigerian U-20 100m record holder continues to impress despite his young age. At just 19, Okon has consistently dipped below 10.20 seconds and is regarded as one of the country’s brightest sprinting talents.
Samuel Ogazi
Ogazi has emerged as a global force in the 400m after clocking an outstanding 43.82 seconds. His rapid rise makes him one of Nigeria’s strongest medal hopes in Glasgow.
Women’s Sprints and
Hurdles
Tobi Amusan
Nigeria’s biggest athletics star remains the athlete to beat in the women’s 100m hurdles.
The world record holder continues to inspire a generation and will undoubtedly attract significant attention in Lagos.
Favour Ofili
One of Africa’s most versatile sprinters, Ofili boasts personal bests of 11.00 seconds in the 100m and 22.20 seconds in the 200m.
Her speed and experience make her a leading contender for multiple events.
Rosemary Chukwuma
A regular sub-11.10-second performer, Chukwuma has established herself among Nigeria’s top female sprinters and will be targeting another strong outing at the trials.
Grace Nwokocha
The NCAA finalist possesses exceptional speed and arrives in Lagos on the back of encouraging early-season performances. She remains a major contender in the sprint events.
Tima Godbless
One of Nigeria’s most exciting young talents, Godbless has seamlessly transitioned from the junior ranks and continues to edge closer to the elite 11-second barrier.
Quarter-Milers and
Middle-Distance Athletes
Ella Onojuvwevwo
Onojuvwevwo has become one of Nigeria’s leading 400m runners and will be aiming to further lower her personal best while strengthening her claim for international selection.
Patience Okon George
The experienced quarter-miler continues to compete at a high level. Her consistency and wealth of experience make her a valuable asset for both individual and relay events.
Gafari Badmus
A standout performer at the National Sports Festival, Badmus has demonstrated remarkable versatility in the 400m and relay events, making him one to watch in Lagos.
Rhoda Adisa
Nigeria’s leading domestic 800m athlete enters the trials with ambitions of breaking into the sub-2:04 range as she seeks a place on Team Nigeria.
Field Events Stars
Ese Brume
The African long jump record holder remains one of Nigeria’s most decorated athletes. With a personal best of 7.17m, Brume is expected to dominate the runway once again.
Ruth Usoro
Usoro continues to excel in both the long jump and triple jump, regularly surpassing 6.70m and 14m respectively.
Her versatility makes her a serious medal prospect.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi
Nigeria’s undisputed king of the shot put has consistently thrown beyond 21m and remains one of Africa’s leading athletes in the event.
Temitope Adeshina
The nation’s top high jumper has repeatedly cleared heights above 1.90m and continues to push Nigerian women’s high jumping to new levels.
Chioma Onyekwere
The reigning Commonwealth champion in discus brings experience and proven championship quality. Her ability to consistently throw beyond 60m makes her a strong contender for another major title.
Goodness Iredia
A rising force in the jumps, Iredia has shown significant progress in recent seasons and will be looking to secure her place among Nigeria’s elite field-event athletes.
Nicholas Fakorede
One of the country’s promising throwers, Fakorede enters the trials determined to make a statement and stake his claim for international representation.
A Weekend of High Stakes in Lagos
With Commonwealth Games qualification on the line, the atmosphere at YABATECH promises to be electric.
The trials will bring together established champions, emerging stars and future Olympians in what is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most competitive athletics events of the year.
For many athletes, Lagos represents the final opportunity to secure a ticket to Glasgow 2026.
For fans, it offers a front-row seat to witness the next generation of Nigerian sporting excellence.
