Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games received a significant boost in Lagos as athletes delivered a series of impressive performances at the National Trials, showcasing the depth of talent available to represent the country on one of the Commonwealth’s biggest sporting stages.
The three-day competition, which concluded on Tuesday at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, served as a final opportunity for athletes to stake their claims for selection ahead of the Games in Glasgow, Scotland, scheduled to hold from July 23 to August 2.
Among the athletes who left a strong impression was veteran quarter-miler Patience Okon-George. Drawing on her wealth of experience, she claimed victory in the women's 400 metres with a time of 51.85 seconds. Behind her, US-based Taiwo Kudoro produced a personal best of 52.30 seconds to finish second, while Faith Ezechukwu also achieved a personal best, crossing the line in 53.12 seconds for third place.
The men's 400 metres final was equally competitive, with former US collegiate athlete Tyler Johnson securing his first national title in 45.75 seconds. Victory Achakpoekiri followed closely in 45.91 seconds, while experienced campaigner Emmanuel Ojeli finished third in 45.94 seconds, underlining the intensity of the contest.
While several athletes excelled across the championships, the defining performance of the trials came in the men's 100 metres, where Favour Ashe delivered a career-best run to capture the national title.
Representing Delta State, Ashe sprinted to victory in 9.93 seconds, setting a new personal best and confirming his status as one of Nigeria’s leading sprinters. The performance improved on the previous personal best of 9.94 seconds he recorded in the United States in 2024. Earlier in the competition, he had already signalled his readiness by running a wind-assisted 9.97 seconds in the semi-finals.
Adekalu Fakorede finished second with a personal best of 9.98 seconds, while reigning National Sports Festival champion Chidera Ezeakor recorded a personal best of 10.03 seconds to place third.
Beyond the headline performances, champions also emerged in the men's and women's 200 metres, the men's 110-metre hurdles, the women's 100-metre hurdles and several other events as the competition drew to a close.
As officials move closer to naming Nigeria’s final athletics team, the trials provided encouraging evidence of the country’s readiness for Glasgow. From experienced competitors maintaining high standards to emerging talents setting new personal bests, the championships reflected a promising blend of resilience, ambition and excellence that could serve Nigeria well when the Commonwealth Games begin in the coming weeks.
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