…NOC Vice President, Ogba,l delighted with the quality of competition
By Ado Salisu
The 2026 Commonwealth Games National Trials got off to an impressive start at the Yabatech Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos, with athletes delivering encouraging performances as the competition heads into Day Two on Monday.
The opening day showcased some of Nigeria’s finest home-based and foreign-based talents, while officials and stakeholders praised the quality of competition and the renewed drive towards excellence in Nigerian athletics.
Leading the commendations was the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Honourable Bukola Olopade, whose presence added prestige to the event.
Olopade lauded the athletes for their determination and competitive spirit, describing the young stars on display as the future of track and field in Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists on the sidelines of the trials, the NSC boss expressed satisfaction with the standard of performances and reiterated the Commission’s commitment to creating opportunities for athletes to excel on the international stage.
The trials also drew the attention of the Vice President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Chief Solomon Ogba, who was visibly delighted with the quality of competition and the level of organisation.
Ogba noted that the event offered a positive glimpse into Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Adding technical depth to the event was the Head of the Nigeria Elite and Podium Finish Committee, Yusuf Alli, who maintained a close watch on proceedings as athletes battled for places and opportunities to represent the country at future international competitions.
A major motivational factor for many of the athletes was the Ben Aghazu Excellence in Athletics Prize, which continues to inspire home-based competitors to push their limits and pursue excellence.
The initiative has become a significant source of encouragement for athletes striving to make their mark on the national scene.
On the track and in the field, several athletes produced standout performances.
US-based Prestina Ochonogor emerged champion in the women’s long jump, soaring to a winning mark of 6.57 metres.
In the absence of national record holder Ese Brume, Ochonogor stamped her authority on the event with a composed and dominant display.
The men’s triple jump final produced one of the highlights of the day as Olaoluwa Akindunbi of Arena Academy leapt to a new personal best of 16.08 metres to secure victory.
Five female athletes achieved the qualifying standard for the prestigious Ben Aghazu Excellence in Athletics Prize after delivering impressive performances in the women’s 5000m event.
Leading the field was Vivian Obadiah of Delta State, who crossed the finish line in a personal best of 17:24.85 to claim victory in a tightly contested race.
Close behind was Mary Jah Bulus of D-MSF, who also recorded a personal best of 17:26.28 to finish second, while Aminat Adenike Alabi of Osheku Athletics Academy secured third place in another personal-best performance of 17:26.51.
The battle for the benchmark continued with Nvou Gyang Tanko, representing D-MSF, finishing fourth in a personal best of 17:26.82, while Arinde Miracle Boluwatife of D’Star Athletics Academy rounded out the list of qualifiers with a personal-best time of 17:33.07.
The race showcased the growing depth of women’s distance running in Nigeria, with all five athletes surpassing the benchmark required for the Ben Aghazu Excellence in Athletics Prize. Remarkably, every athlete among the qualifiers achieved a personal best, underlining the high level of competition and the positive impact of developmental athletics programmes across the country.
Reacting to the performances, the initiator of the prize and 2nd Vice President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Akuchukwu Aghazu, expressed delight at the quality of competition and the emergence of new talents in the women’s 5000m.
Aghazu said the performances justified the vision behind the Ben Aghazu Excellence in Athletics Prize, which was established to motivate athletes to pursue excellence and reward hard work on the track.
“I am truly excited by what we witnessed in the women’s 5000m. Seeing five athletes attain the benchmark, and all of them recording personal bests, is a clear indication that our athletes are responding positively to opportunities created for them,” Aghazu said.
She added: “The essence of this prize is to inspire athletes to dream bigger, train harder and believe that excellence will always be rewarded. These young women have demonstrated determination, resilience and the hunger to succeed.”
According to her, the performances also highlight the immense potential within Nigeria’s athletics system.
“Our goal is to continue creating pathways for home-based athletes to develop and compete at the highest level. Today’s results show that the future of Nigerian distance running is bright, and we are committed to supporting these athletes on their journey to greater achievements.”
Aghazu further congratulated all the athletes who met the benchmark and encouraged them to remain focused as they prepare for future competitions.
“This is only the beginning. I congratulate all the qualifiers and urge them to remain disciplined and dedicated. We want to see them progress from national prospects to continental and global contenders.”
The AFN Chief also heap praises on Mr Kunle Oguneye, Gbolahan Fatuga, Mary Onyali for supporting the Excellent in Athletics Prize with financial donations.
However, the performance of the day belonged to Jennifer Chukwuka Obi, who delivered a sensational run in the women’s 100 metres heats. Obi clocked a lifetime best of 11.26 seconds -0.8m/s, the fastest time of her career, to storm to victory in Heat 3 and underline her growing credentials as one of Nigeria’s most exciting sprint prospects.
Her impressive display saw her finish comfortably ahead of Merit Ufuoma, who qualified for the semifinals in 11.50 seconds, while Lucy Nwankwo secured the third qualifying spot with a time of 11.60 seconds.
The women’s sprint events generated plenty of excitement and set the stage for what promises to be a thrilling battle for medals as the competition progresses.
Meanwhile, the men’s 100 metres heats could not be held on Sunday due to technical issues. Competition officials opted to postpone the event to Monday, with the heats now scheduled for Day Two of the trials. The men’s final is expected to take place on Tuesday, June 23, adding further anticipation to one of the most eagerly awaited events of the championships.
With impressive performances already recorded and key athletics stakeholders expressing confidence in the country’s emerging talents, expectations remain high as the Commonwealth Games Trials continue on Monday in Lagos, with athletes chasing qualification standards, national recognition and the opportunity to represent Nigeria on the international stage.