Amusan, Brume Headline 29 Athletes Named for Commonwealth Games

World record holder. Continental champion. A list of names that should make Glasgow take notice.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria has invited 29 athletes to a national training camp in Abuja as preparations intensify for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2. World record holder Tobi Amusan headlines the squad, joined by long jump star Ese Brume and a strong contingent of sprinters, quarter milers, and field event specialists.

A Squad Built on Experience and Form

The 29 athletes, comprising 14 men and 15 women, were selected based on performances at the national trials held at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex in Lagos, along with consideration for elite athletes who missed the trials due to visa related travel challenges. AFN Secretary General Israel Inwang confirmed the athletes began reporting to the National Sports Commission camp in Abuja from June 25.

Amusan, a two time Commonwealth Games champion, leads the women’s hurdles contingent, while Brume brings her own Commonwealth medal pedigree to the long jump event. Furthermore, NCAA champions Ezekiel Nathaniel, Samuel Ogazi, Kanyinsola Ajayi, and Temitope Adeshina add fresh collegiate level form to a squad that blends seasoned international performers with emerging talent.

Eighteen Events Across Track and Field

Nigeria’s athletics contingent will compete across 18 events at the Games, including the men’s and women’s 4×100 metres relays and the mixed 4×400 metres relay, disciplines in which the country has traditionally been competitive on the global stage. The men’s sprint squad features Favour Ashe, Udodi Onwuzurike, and Alaba Akintola alongside Ajayi, while the women’s sprint team includes Blessing Ogundiran, Rosemary Chukwuma, and Tima Godbless.

Field events are equally well represented, with shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, high jumper Adeshina, and hammer thrower Oyesade Olatoye expected to contribute to Nigeria’s overall medal pursuit.

A Selection Process Under Scrutiny

However, the squad announcement has not escaped controversy. AFN Executive Board member Lekan Soetan raised concerns that only 12 of the 29 invited athletes actually competed at the Lagos trials, with several established stars receiving direct invitations based on rankings and prior achievements instead. While acknowledging that athletes like Amusan and Brume deserve their places regardless, Soetan argued that the federation should have communicated its selection criteria more transparently before staging the trials.

Despite the selection debate, expectations remain high that Nigeria’s athletics team will play a leading role in the country’s overall medal pursuit at the Glasgow Games, with AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa wishing the squad a successful and hitch free preparation period ahead of the competition.