By Ado Salisu
The countdown has begun for the highly anticipated Commonwealth Games Trials as athletes from across Nigeria continue to arrive in Lagos ahead of the competition scheduled to hold at the Yaba College of Technology (YabaTech) Sports Complex.
The nation’s commercial capital has started witnessing a steady influx of athletes, coaches, and officials from different states, all aiming to earn selection spots on Team Nigeria ahead of the next Commonwealth Games.
Contingents from Akwa Ibom State were among the earliest arrivals, with athletes from Kwara State also joining the growing number of competitors making their way to Lagos.
Several top-level athletes have equally arrived, raising expectations for a fiercely competitive contest featuring some of Nigeria’s best track and field talents.
The athletics community is already buzzing with excitement as officials of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) settle into the city to supervise preparations for the trials.
AFN President, Chief Tonobok Okowa, alongside members of the federation’s Technical Committee, is expected to play a key role in ensuring the smooth organisation and successful execution of the event.
Meanwhile, competition equipment has begun arriving in Lagos as organisers intensify preparations to host a world-class championship.
The National Institute for Sports (NIS), located at the National Stadium, Surulere, is serving as the transit camp for early arrivals, offering accommodation and logistical support for athletes and officials ahead of the commencement of activities.
The official AFN camp for qualified athletes is expected to open on June 19, marking the beginning of final preparations before the three-day trials.
The event is set to attract Nigeria’s finest athletes, with competitors battling for coveted places on the national team and the chance to represent the country at the international stage.
With established stars, promising young talents, and athletics officials converging in Lagos, expectations are high for what promises to be one of the most competitive athletics trials of the year.
