The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria’s medal prospects after unveiling a 29-member athletics squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The team comprises 16 female and 13 male athletes, blending established stars with promising young talents as Nigeria aims for a successful campaign at one of the Commonwealth’s premier multi-sport events.
Leading the squad are world record holder Tobi Amusan, sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi, shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Rosemary Chukwuma, Favour Ashe, Patience George, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Temitope Adeshina, Esther Joseph and Blessing Ogundiran.
The team also includes exciting youngsters Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter, who recently switched their sporting allegiance to Nigeria. The AFN believes their addition will further strengthen the country’s athletics programme.
AFN Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, described the squad as one of the strongest Nigeria has assembled in recent years.
“We are heading to Glasgow with one of the strongest athletics teams Nigeria has assembled in recent years. The athletes have shown tremendous commitment in training, and everyone is focused on representing the country with pride,” Aghazu said.
She singled out 19-year-old Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter for special praise, commending their dedication since joining the national team.
“Jessica and Jami have settled in remarkably well. They are disciplined, dedicated and eager to contribute to Nigeria’s success. Their commitment has been outstanding, and we are delighted to have them in the Nigerian family.”
Aghazu also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, for creating an enabling environment that has encouraged Nigerian-born athletes abroad to commit to representing the country.
According to her, the support provided by the Federal Government through the NSC has allowed the athletes to prepare under favourable conditions ahead of the Games.
She added that the atmosphere at Team Nigeria’s training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, has been positive, with athletes and coaches united in their quest for success.
“There is a wonderful spirit in camp. The athletes are united, the coaches are working tirelessly, and everyone understands the responsibility of representing over 200 million Nigerians.”
The athletics events at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will begin on July 27 and run for six days.
Team Nigeria Athletics Squad (Events)
Women: Temitope Adeshina (High Jump), Tobi Amusan (100m Hurdles), Ruth Usoro (Long Jump/Triple Jump), Obi Chukwuka (400m), Rosemary Chukwuma (100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay), Patience George (400m, 4x400m Relay), Rosemary Nwankwo (100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay), Esther Joseph (100m, 4x100m Relay), Blessing Ogundiran (400m, 4x400m Relay), Jessica Oji (Shot Put), Olayinka Olajide (100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay), Oyesade Olatoye (Hammer Throw), Prestina Ochonogor (Long Jump), Miracle Ezechukwu (Discus Throw), Favour Onyah (Long Jump/Triple Jump), Obiageri Amaechi (Discus Throw), and Jami Schlueter (Pole Vault).
Men: Kanyinsola Ajayi (100m, 4x100m Relay), Alaba Akintola (400m), Favour Ashe (100m, 4x100m Relay), Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Shot Put), Chidera Ezeakor (100m), Ezekiel Nathaniel (400m Hurdles, 4x400m Relay), Samuel Ogazi (400m, 4x400m Relay), Israel Okon (100m, 200m, 4x100m Relay), Udodi Onwuzuruike (200m, 4x100m Relay), Edidiong Udo (400m), Adekalu Fakorede (Triple Jump), Chinekechem Nnamdi (Javelin Throw), and others selected by the federation.
