Glasgow 2026: AFN VP Aku Aghazu backs Team Nigeria to deliver medals at Commonwealth Games
ABERDEEN, Scotland (Made In Africa Sport) – Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) second vice-president Akuchukwu Aghazu believes Team Nigeria has the quality to challenge for medals after naming a 29-athlete squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The team comprises 16 women and 13 men, combining experienced internationals with emerging athletes as Nigeria prepares for the athletics competition, which runs from 27 July to 1 August.
World record holder Tobi Amusan headlines the squad alongside sprinters Kanyinsola Ajayi, Rosemary Chukwuma and Favour Ashe, while Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Patience George, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Temitope Adeshina, Esther Joseph and Blessing Ogundiran have also been selected.
The squad also includes Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter, who recently switched their international allegiance to Nigeria.
Aghazu said the blend of experience and youth had given the federation confidence ahead of the Games.
“We are heading to Glasgow with one of the strongest athletics teams Nigeria has assembled in recent years,” she said.
“The athletes have shown tremendous commitment in training, and everyone is focused on representing the country with pride.”
She described Oji and Schlueter as valuable additions to the national team.
“Jessica and Jami have settled in remarkably well. They are extremely dedicated, disciplined and eager to contribute to Nigeria’s success,” Aghazu said.
“They are putting in the right shift every day because they want to help put Nigeria firmly on the global athletics map. Their commitment has been outstanding, and we are delighted to have them in the Nigerian family.”
Aghazu also praised the National Sports Commission for creating what she described as an environment that had encouraged more athletes to represent Nigeria.
“The credit must go to the leadership of the National Sports Commission under chairman Shehu Dikko and director general Bukola Olopade,” she said.
“They have opened the space for young Nigerian athletes to believe in their country again. Their support, vision and commitment are helping to rebuild confidence and strengthen Team Nigeria.”
She also acknowledged the support provided by the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission in the build-up to the Games.
“Our athletes have been given the platform to prepare properly, and the atmosphere around the team has been very positive,” Aghazu said.
“We appreciate the confidence reposed in the athletes and we are determined to justify that support with strong performances in Glasgow.”
Nigeria’s preparations have been based in Aberdeen, where Aghazu said the squad had developed a strong sense of unity.
“There is a wonderful spirit in camp. The athletes are united, the coaches are working tirelessly, and everyone understands the responsibility of representing over 200 million Nigerians,” she said.
“The environment has been friendly, professional and highly motivating, and that gives us confidence going into the Games.”
The AFN president, Tonobok Okowa, has also joined the delegation in Scotland after official engagements in Egypt and Tunisia.
Okowa, who is senior vice-president of the Confederation of African Athletics and president of CAA Region II, was honoured by the athletics federations of both countries in recognition of his contribution to the development of the sport in Africa.
Nigeria will be looking to reinforce its reputation as one of Africa’s leading athletics nations when competition begins in Glasgow on 27 July.