AFN Upbeat as Diamond League Stars and Junior Athletes Boost Nigeria's Commonwealth Games Hopes

Posted : 06 July 2026

Nigeria's preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games received another major boost after impressive performances by the country's athletes at the Wanda Diamond League in Eugene, Oregon, and the ongoing CAA U18/U20 Championships in Dakar, Senegal.

Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, said the performances reaffirm Nigeria's status as one of the world's leading athletics nations ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.

Leading the charge was reigning NCAA champion Kanyinsola Ajayi, who produced a sensational display to win the men's 100m at the Prefontaine Classic in a personal best and national record-equalling 9.84 seconds.

The Nigerian edged Jamaica's world champion, Oblique Seville, who finished second in 9.89 seconds.

World record holder Tobi Amusan also maintained her fine form, finishing second in the women's 100m hurdles with a time of 12.34 seconds behind American Masai Russell, who claimed victory in 12.24 seconds.

Reacting to the performances, Okowa described Ajayi's victory as a clear indication that the sprinter is ready to compete with the world's best.

"Ajayi has announced himself on the global stage in remarkable fashion.

"His consistency over the years, crowned by the NCAA title and now a Diamond League victory, shows he is ready for bigger challenges.

"We are proud of his achievements and believe even greater performances are ahead," Okowa said.

The AFN president also reserved special praise for Amusan, describing her as one of Nigeria's greatest athletics ambassadors.

"Tobi remains a global icon whose achievements continue to inspire young athletes. Her commitment to representing Nigeria at every opportunity is commendable, and the federation will continue to celebrate and support her," he added.

Okowa further acknowledged the efforts of other Nigerians who competed in Eugene, including Ezekiel Nathaniel, who featured in the men's 400m, shot put record holder Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, who finished sixth with a best throw of 21.36m, as well as Ella Onojuvwevwo and Favour Ofili.

According to him, the encouraging performances have strengthened confidence within the federation as Team Nigeria's athletics camp opens in Aberdeen, Scotland, ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

"These performances show our athletes are in excellent condition. With the support of the National Sports Commission and the preparations already in place, we are optimistic about achieving outstanding results in Glasgow," Okowa stated.

Meanwhile, Nigeria's young athletes also continued their impressive campaign at the CAA U18/U20 Championships in Dakar, claiming another gold medal in the girls' U18 medley relay to increase the country's gold medal tally to nine.

Okowa, who also serves as President of CAA Region II and Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), expressed satisfaction with the progress of the junior athletes, noting that their performances underline the bright future of Nigerian athletics.

With senior and junior athletes delivering impressive performances on the international stage, confidence continues to grow ahead of the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. The AFN believes the team's current form provides a strong platform for Nigeria to compete successfully for medals in Scotland.

AFN Upbeat as Diamond League Stars and Junior Athletes Boost Nigeria's Commonwealth Games Hopes

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