The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has clarified the entry requirements for the men’s and women’s 100m events at the upcoming Commonwealth Games Trials, reaffirming that qualifying standards remain in place despite earlier reports suggesting otherwise.
READ ALSO: Nigerian Heritage Talent Akinleye Baraq Joins Cardiff City Academy
Sports247 reports that according to AFN Technical Director, Gabriel Okon, participation in the 100m events at the trials, scheduled to take place from June 19 to June 23 at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, will be restricted to athletes who meet the federation’s approved standards.
Okon explained that the maximum entry standards remain 10.60 seconds for men and 11.85 seconds for women, effectively ruling out suggestions that the sprint events had been opened to all interested competitors.
The clarification follows widespread reports indicating that the 100m races would be accessible to all athletes regardless of qualification marks. The federation has now moved to address those claims and provide certainty ahead of the national trials.
While maintaining the existing standards, the AFN has also indicated its willingness to accommodate a limited number of additional athletes through specially organized preliminary rounds.
This measure is expected to provide more opportunities for emerging sprinters while preserving the quality and competitiveness of the championship.
“The qualified athletes will be published in due course,” Okon stated while outlining the federation’s plans for the event.
The Commonwealth Games Trials are expected to attract many of Nigeria’s leading track and field stars as athletes compete for places in future international competitions and national team selections.
The men’s and women’s 100m events remain among the most anticipated races of the championships, particularly following a remarkable season for Nigerian sprinting that has seen several athletes produce world-class performances on the collegiate and international circuits.
With the qualifying standards now officially reaffirmed, athletes and coaches can focus on final preparations ahead of what promises to be a highly competitive championship in Lagos.
The publication of the final list of qualified athletes is expected in the coming days as the AFN continues preparations for one of the country’s most important domestic athletics competitions of the year.
