Ashe storms to Commonwealth Games ticket with record-breaking 9.93s at AFN Trials

Posted : 24 June 2026

Favour Ashe delivered a stunning performance to emerge champion of the men's 100 metres at the 2026 Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Commonwealth Games Trials, setting a new personal best of 9.93 seconds.

The impressive run secured his place on Team Nigeria for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and reaffirmed his status as one of the country's leading sprinters.

Ashe lowered his previous personal best of 9.94 seconds, which he set at the NCAA East Regional Finals in Lexington, Kentucky, United States.

The victory also marked his return to the top after previously winning the Commonwealth Games trials in Benin City in 2022 with a time of 9.99 seconds.

Adekalu Fakorede finished second after posting a personal best of 9.98 seconds, while national champion Chidera Ezeakor also recorded a lifetime best of 10.03 seconds to place third.

Godwin Tejiri of Bayelsa came fourth in 10.20 seconds, with Enoch Adegoke completing the top five in 10.27 seconds.

Speaking after the race, Ashe described the final as highly competitive and thanked God for guiding him through a difficult period in his career.

According to him, the season began on an uncertain note despite months of hard work and commitment.

The sprinter recalled that visa challenges kept him away from the United States for nearly two years, forcing him to rebuild his career from Nigeria before spending time training in Qatar.

He said the support and encouragement from the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the National Sports Commission (NSC) helped him remain focused.

"My return to Nigeria helped me stay disciplined and rediscover my confidence. That has made a big difference to my performances," Ashe said.

Looking ahead to the Commonwealth Games, Ashe expressed confidence that additional preparation would further improve his chances of reaching the podium.

"I have only had about one month of focused training. With two more months of disciplined work, I believe I can challenge for a medal in Glasgow," he said.

The sprinter also called for improved training facilities, better-equipped gyms, and a more conducive environment to help Nigerian athletes compete consistently at the highest level.

He praised fellow sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi for raising the standard of Nigerian sprinting, noting that the healthy rivalry had inspired him to remain focused.

Ashe added that the increasing depth in Nigeria's sprint events was a positive sign for the country's future, stressing that competition among athletes would continue to produce world-class performances.

Reflecting on his victory, he said criticism from doubters became a source of motivation, although he acknowledged there was still room for improvement, particularly in the closing phase of his race.

This remarkable victory highlights Favour Ashe's incredible resilience and cements his position at the absolute forefront of Nigerian athletics. By overcoming significant off-track challenges to deliver a record-breaking performance, the star sprinter has set a powerful benchmark for the rest of the team. With his ticket to Glasgow secured and additional training on the horizon, Nigeria can look forward to a highly competitive showing on the global stage.

Ashe storms to Commonwealth Games ticket with record-breaking 9.93s at AFN Trials

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