By Tayo Ogunseye
Women’s 100m hurdles world-record holder Tobi Amusan and in-form 100m top-runner Kayinsola Ajayi will lead Team Nigeria’s formidable 29-member athletics squad to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) expressing confidence that the country’s mix of seasoned stars and emerging talents can deliver an impressive medal haul.
The squad comprises 16 women and 13 men, featuring some of Nigeria’s biggest names in track and field alongside a new generation of athletes eager to make their mark on the Commonwealth stage.
Others on the team are: Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Rosemary Chukwuma, Favour Ashe, Patience George, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Temitope Adeshina, Esther Joseph and Blessing Ogundiran.
Also included are exciting prospects Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter, who recently switched their international allegiance to Nigeria.
AFN Second Vice President Akuchukwu Aghazu described the team as one of the strongest Nigeria has assembled in recent years, saying the athletes have demonstrated the commitment and hunger needed to compete with the Commonwealth’s best.
“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, noting that both athletes have settled quickly into the Nigerian camp and are determined to contribute to the country’s success.
“Jessica and Jami have settled in remarkably well. They are extremely dedicated, disciplined and eager to contribute to Nigeria’s success. They are putting in the right shift every day because they want to help put Nigeria firmly on the global athletics map,” she said.
Aghazu also commended the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, for creating an environment that has encouraged athletes of Nigerian descent to represent the country.
According to her, the Commission’s leadership has restored confidence in Nigerian sports through improved support and a renewed commitment to athlete welfare.
She further applauded the Federal Government for providing the necessary support that has enabled Team Nigeria to prepare effectively for the Games.
The AFN official disclosed that Team Nigeria’s training camp in Aberdeen has been marked by unity, discipline and a shared determination to succeed, with athletes and coaches working closely together ahead of the athletics programme.
“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,” she added.
The federation also confirmed that AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, has joined the team in Scotland following official engagements in Egypt and Tunisia, where he was honoured by both countries’ athletics federations in recognition of his contributions to the development of athletics across Africa. Okowa is also the Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) and President of CAA Region II.
Athletics events at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will begin on July 27 and run for six days, with Nigeria aiming to reinforce its reputation as one of Africa’s athletics powerhouses through a combination of proven champions and rising stars.
