Glasgow 2026: Expectations High As 29 Invited Athletes Join Others at Domestic Camp in Abuja

 

AFOLABI SAHEED OLAWALE 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following the invitation of 29 athletes by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) to represent the nation.

The invited athletes, drawn from various track and field events, will continue preparations alongside representatives from other sports in Abuja before proceeding to a three-week overseas training camp scheduled to open on July 2 in Aberdeen, Scotland.

Leading the list of invitees is Nigeria’s sprint hurdles star and two-time Commonwealth Games champion, Tobi Amusan, whose experience and pedigree are expected to provide leadership for the team as preparations intensify for Glasgow 2026.

Also invited are some of Nigeria’s top-performing athletes, including Kayinsola Ajayi, Favour Ashe, Ese Brume and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, alongside a blend of established internationals and emerging talents across the sprints, relays, jumps and throws.

DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade described the composition of the team as a strong indication of Nigeria’s determination to challenge for medals at the Games, noting that the selected athletes have consistently demonstrated their ability to compete at the highest level.

According to the Commission, the Abuja camp will provide the training and other support required to sharpen the athletes’ preparations before the team moves to Scotland for the final phase of training.

The invited athletes include:
Men’s 100m, 200m and 4x100m Relay: Kayinsola Ajayi, Alaba Akintola, Favour Ashe, Chidera Ezeakor, Adekalu Fakorede, Israel Okon and Udodi Onwuzuruike.
Men’s 400m and Mixed 4x400m Relay: Samuel Ogazi, Edidiong Udo, Tyler Johnson and Ezekiel Nathaniel.
Men’s 400m Hurdles: Ezekiel Nathaniel.
Men’s Decathlon: Jami Schlueter.
Men’s Javelin: Chinecherem Nnamdi.
Men’s Shot Put: Chukwuebuka Enekwechi.
Women’s 100m, 200m and 4x100m Relay: Blessing Ogundiran, Rosemary Chukwuma, Tima Godbless, Miracle Ezechukwu, Olayinka Olajide and Obi Chukwuka.
Women’s 100m Hurdles: Tobi Amusan.
Women’s 400m and Mixed 4x400m Relay: Patience Okon-George, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Favour Onyah and Esther Joseph.
Women’s High Jump: Temitope Adeshina.
Women’s Long Jump: Ese Brume.
Women’s Shot Put: Jessica Oji.
Women’s Hammer Throw: Oyesade Olatoye.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to providing the athletes and officials with the necessary resources and support to ensure Team Nigeria arrives in Glasgow fully prepared to compete for honours at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.