AFN Sets Commonwealth Games Trials For June, Unveils Qualification Standards

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has announced June 20 to 22 as the dates for the national trials ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, while also unveiling the qualification standards athletes must meet to compete at the selection event.

The trials will take place at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos and are expected to attract both home-based and foreign-based athletes as Nigeria begins preparations for the Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2, 2026.

According to the federation, the three-day competition will feature 32 track and field events for men and women. However, participation in the men’s and women’s 100m, 200m and 400m events will be restricted to athletes who achieve the required qualification marks between April and June 2026. All other events will remain open.

For athletes competing from within Nigeria, the qualifying standard for the men’s 100m is 10.60 seconds, while the women’s event is set at 11.55 seconds. Athletes seeking entry into the men’s and women’s 200m must record 21.85 seconds and 23.75 seconds respectively, while the 400m standards stand at 48.50 seconds for men and 54.50 seconds for women.

The benchmarks are considerably tougher for athletes based abroad. The men’s 100m qualification mark is 10.05 seconds, while women must clock 11.17 seconds. In the 200m, the standards are 20.48 seconds for men and 22.60 seconds for women, while the qualifying times for the men’s and women’s 400m are 45.50 seconds and 51.30 seconds respectively.

“The federation believes the arrangement will ensure that only athletes in top form contest the sprint events while maintaining broad participation across other disciplines,” the AFN said in a statement.

The federation also revealed plans to support athletes chasing qualification for the Games.

“To further support athletes in their quest for qualification, the federation announced that accommodation will be provided for athletes who have attained the required standards during the qualification period. The list of athletes who have met the stipulated benchmarks is expected to be released in the coming days.”

AFN President Tonobok Okowa praised the leadership of the National Sports Commission for its continued backing of athletics in the country, saying the support has played a key role in efforts to strengthen athlete development and improve performances at the highest level.

The Lagos trials are expected to serve as the final opportunity for athletes to secure places on Nigeria’s team for Glasgow as the country targets a strong showing at the Commonwealth Games.