AFN Sets Qualification Standards for 2026 National Trials

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has released the qualification standards for athletes competing at the 2026 National Trials, scheduled for June 20-22 at the Yabatech Sports Complex, Yaba, Lagos.

The trials will serve as the final selection ground for Nigeria’s representatives at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow later in July.

For home-based athletes, the minimum entry requirements are set across track and field disciplines. Men must run 100m in 10.35 seconds and women in 11.55 seconds to qualify.

In the 200m, the standard is 21.20 seconds for men and 23.75 seconds for women. Field events also carry benchmarks, such as 2.15m in high jump for men and 1.70m for women, while the long jump requires 7.60m for men and 6.20m for women.

The qualification period for home-based athletes runs from April 2025 to June 15, 2026.

By contrast, foreign-based athletes face tougher standards. The men’s 100m entry mark is 10.05 seconds, while women must achieve 11.17 seconds.

In the 400m, foreign-based men must clock 45.50 seconds, compared to 46.50 seconds for home-based athletes.

Similarly, the women’s 400m standard is 51.30 seconds for foreign-based competitors, significantly faster than the 54.50 seconds required for home-based athletes.

Field events also reflect higher thresholds, with men’s long jump set at 8.05m and women’s at 6.70m, compared to 7.60m and 6.20m respectively for home-based athletes. The qualification period for foreign-based athletes closes earlier, on June 10, 2026.

The AFN emphasized that these standards are designed to ensure only the best athletes represent Nigeria on the international stage.

The Federation also confirmed that accommodation will be provided for athletes who meet the qualifying marks, with the official list of eligible participants to be published soon.