Athletes Storm Lagos as Countdown Begins for Commonwealth Games Trials

Lagos is rapidly becoming the centre of Nigerian athletics as athletes, coaches and officials from across the country arrive ahead of the highly anticipated Commonwealth Games Trials scheduled to take place at the Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech) Sports Complex.

According to organisers, preparations have entered the final stage, with competitors from various states converging on the nation's commercial capital in a bid to secure places on Team Nigeria for the next Commonwealth Games.

Athletes from Akwa Ibom State were among the earliest arrivals, with contingents from Kwara State and several other states following closely behind. The arrival of a number of elite athletes has further heightened expectations for what promises to be a fiercely contested championship.

Excitement continues to build within the athletics community as key officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) also make their way to Lagos to supervise arrangements for the event.

AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, alongside members of the federation’s Technical Committee, is expected to lead preparations and ensure the smooth organisation of the trials.

Organisers have also commenced the delivery of technical equipment required for the competition as efforts intensify to stage a successful and well-coordinated event.

The National Institute for Sports (NIS), located within the National Stadium complex in Surulere, is currently serving as a transit camp for early arrivals, providing accommodation and logistical support for athletes and officials ahead of the competition.

Meanwhile, the official AFN camp for qualified athletes is set to open on June 19, allowing participants to begin their final phase of preparations before the commencement of the three-day trials.

The event is expected to showcase some of Nigeria’s finest track and field athletes, with established stars and emerging talents battling for the opportunity to represent the country on the international stage.

As athletes continue to arrive and preparations gather momentum, anticipation is growing for what is expected to be one of the most competitive and exciting athletics events on the Nigerian sporting calendar this year.