The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has postponed the start of its 2026 Commonwealth Games national trials by one day after severe weather conditions in the United States delayed the arrival of several Nigerian athletes.
The trials, initially scheduled to begin on 20th June at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos, will now run from 21st to 23rd June following an emergency meeting of the federation's board chaired by AFN President Tonobok Okowa.
“The decision was reached following an emergency meeting of the AFN board chaired by the federation’s president, Chief Tonobok Okowa, in Lagos,” the federation said in a statement on Saturday.
According to the AFN, heavy rain, severe storms and flash flooding across parts of the United States disrupted flights from key transit hubs, preventing some athletes from travelling as planned.
“Many of the affected athletes had appealed to the federation for additional time to enable them to arrive in Nigeria and compete in the crucial trials, which will help determine selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games,” the statement said.
The federation added that it moved the competition “forward by one day” in the interest of fairness to athletes whose travel plans were affected by the natural disaster.
The trials are a crucial part of Nigeria’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, scheduled for 23rd July to 2nd August.
The AFN had earlier insisted that participation in the Lagos event would be mandatory for athletes seeking selection to Team Nigeria.
The competition is expected to feature many of Nigeria’s leading track and field stars as they battle for places on the national team ahead of the Games.
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