Commonwealth Games: Okowa thrilled with star-studded athletics team, aiming for 7 gold medals

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The President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa, says he is pleased with the formidable athletics team that will participate in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, which officially open tomorrow, Thursday 23 July 2026.

The 6-day athletics events will take place from Monday 27 July to Saturday 1 August 2026 at Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow.

Okowa, who leads the AFN contingent, said the arrival of big names such as women’s 100 meters hurdles world record holder Tobi Amusan, reigning sprint sensation, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Favor Ashe, Olympic men’s 400 meters finalist, Samuel Ogazi, shot put veteran Rosemary Chukwuma, javelin thrower Chukwuebuka Enekwechi Chinecherem Nnamdi, have strengthened the seven gold medals achieved by the Federation.

Okowa said: “The number of top Nigerian athletes participating in the games is encouraging. This is an excellent spirit and has signaled a new spirit for them in representing their homeland in international competitions. Also in the camp we have Alaba Akintola, Adekalu Fakorede, Udodi Onwuzurike, hurdler Nathaniel Ezekiel, Edidiong Okon Udo, Temitope Adeshina, Prestina Ochonogor, Ruth Usoro, veteran. Patience George-Okon, Chidera Ezeakor, Oyesade Oyetade, Obiageri Amaechi, Jessica Orji and Jami Schlueter (Decathlon), will compete for Nigeria for the first time after recently changing nationality from England. Miracle Ezechukwu is also in the team. I am very happy with the great spirit in the camp and we can easily reach our goal of seven gold medals.

AFN Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, who led the athletic training at the National Sports Commission’s Team Nigeria national camp in both Abuja and Aberdeen, said the spirit in the camp was excellent as the athletes prepare for the matches.

In a statement signed by AFN Media Coordinator, Dr. Kola Oredipe, Team Nigeria will feature in over 20 track and field events including Men’s 100m, Women’s 100m, Men’s 200m, Women’s 200m, Men’s 400m, Women’s 400m, 100m Hurdles, Men’s 4 x 100m Relay, Women’s 4 x 100m Relay. 4×100 meter mixed relay, 4×400 meter mixed relay, men’s 400m hurdles, women’s high jump, women’s long jump, women’s triple jump, men’s shot put, women’s shot put, men’s javelin, women’s discus, women’s hammer, men’s Decathlon.

AFN President, current Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) Senior Vice President, Chief Okowa, will arrive in Glasgow on Thursday ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Signed:

Doctor Kola Oredipe
Media coordinator
Athletics Federation of Nigeria
Wednesday 22 July 2026