Furore as AFN Shifts Nigerian Track and Field Championships Start Date
Athletes, Coaches Protest Rescheduling of Competition
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has rescheduled the 2026 Commonwealth Games national trials from June 20-22 to June 21-23 at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos.
The federation explained that the change was made to accommodate US-based athletes whose travel plans were disrupted by severe weather and flight cancellations in the United States.
However, the decision has sparked widespread discontent among home-based athletes, coaches, and even some AFN board members.
Home-based athletes and coaches already in Lagos have voiced frustration over the additional costs they will incur due to the extension, noting that these expenses were not budgeted for.
They are demanding clarity on whether the AFN, which they accuse of neglecting athlete welfare, failing to provide competitions, and refusing to pay prize money from the only event held this year, will cover the extra day’s expenses.
Board members are also questioning the federation’s claim that the decision followed an ’emergency board meeting,’ insisting that no such meeting was convened.
They allege that decisions are increasingly being taken by a small group of individuals, including those allegedly co-opted in violation of the Federation’s constitution, rather than through the collective input of elected members.
The big question now looming over the federation is when flight tickets were actually sent to the few US-based athletes who confirmed their attendance.
Stakeholders are demanding transparency on whether these tickets were issued in time, or if the delays were compounded by administrative lapses within the AFN itself.
This year’s Nigerian Track and Field Championships which serves as selection trials for next month’s Commonwealth Games remain a crucial event for athletes vying to represent Nigeria at the Games, but the fallout from this rescheduling has cast a shadow over preparations and intensified scrutiny of the federation’s management practices.
