NSC Confident of Team Nigeria’s Medal Prospects as 29 Athletes Begin Commonwealth Games Camp
Oru Leonard
NSC Confident of Team Nigeria’s Medal Prospects as 29 Athletes Begin Commonwealth Games Camp
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has expressed optimism over Team Nigeria’s chances at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) invited 29 athletes to begin final preparations for the competition.
The athletes, selected across various track and field events, have joined other Team Nigeria contingents at the domestic training camp in Abuja ahead of a three-week overseas training programme scheduled to commence on July 2 in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Leading the athletics squad is Nigeria’s sprint hurdles queen and two-time Commonwealth Games champion, Tobi Amusan, whose wealth of experience is expected to provide leadership as the country intensifies preparations for the Games in Glasgow.
Other notable athletes invited include Kayinsola Ajayi, Favour Ashe, Ese Brume and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, alongside a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talents expected to strengthen Nigeria’s medal campaign.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the calibre of the invited athletes as a clear demonstration of Nigeria’s determination to compete strongly for medals at the Games.
Olopade said the selected athletes have consistently proven their ability to perform on the global stage, expressing confidence that the domestic camp in Abuja would further sharpen their readiness before the team departs for Scotland.
According to the Commission, the three-week training programme in Aberdeen will provide the athletes with quality preparation, technical support and a competitive environment ahead of the Commonwealth Games.
The men’s squad includes Kayinsola Ajayi, Alaba Akintola, Favour Ashe, Chidera Ezeakor, Adekalu Fakorede, Israel Okon and Udodi Onwuzuruike in the sprints and 4x100m relay, while Samuel Ogazi, Edidiong Udo, Tyler Johnson and Ezekiel Nathaniel will feature in the 400m and mixed 4x400m relay. Nathaniel will also compete in the 400m hurdles.
Also selected are Jami Schlueter (decathlon), Chinecherem Nnamdi (javelin) and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (shot put).
The women’s team features Blessing Ogundiran, Rosemary Chukwuma, Tima Godbless, Miracle Ezechukwu, Olayinka Olajide and Obi Chukwuka in the sprints and relay events, while Tobi Amusan will contest the 100m hurdles. Patience Okon-George, Ella Onojuvwevwo, Favour Onyah and Esther Joseph will compete in the 400m and mixed relay events.
Completing the women’s squad are Temitope Adeshina (high jump), Ese Brume (long jump), Jessica Oji (shot put) and Oyesade Olatoye (hammer throw).
The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to providing the athletes and officials with the necessary logistics, welfare and technical support to ensure Team Nigeria arrives in Glasgow fully prepared to compete for honours at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
