The late arrival of many elite athletes based abroad has led to a delayed commencement of events in Nigeria’s track and field trials, with the competition now starting a day behind schedule.
However, Sports247 gathered that the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has added an extra day to the timetable of events in order to meet up with the shortfall from their inability to begin on schedule.
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This was disclosed by the AFN’s media committee chairman, Maxwell Kumoye, who confirmed that the trials, from which Nigeria’s contingent for this year’s Commonwealth Games will be selected, had to be rescheduled to accommodate delayed USA-based athletes.
Kumoye disclosed in a press release that the AFN rescheduled the national trials by one day to enable athletes affected by severe weather disruptions in the United States to eventually arrive and participate in the competition.
He added, “The trials, originally scheduled to take place from June 20 to June 22 at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex in Lagos, will now run from June 21 to June 23 at the same venue.
“The decision was reached following an emergency meeting of the AFN board chaired by the federation’s president, Chief Tonobok Okowa, in Lagos.
“The adjustment became necessary after several Nigerian athletes based in the United States were unable to travel as planned due to widespread flight cancellations caused by heavy rain, severe storms and flash flooding across parts of the country.
“Many of the affected athletes had appealed to the federation for additional time to enable them arrive in Nigeria and compete in the crucial trials, which will help determine selection for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
“Following deliberations, the AFN resolved to move the event forward by one day in the best interest of all stakeholders, particularly the athletes whose travel plans were disrupted by the natural disaster.”
Sports247 reports further that AFN officials noted that the affected athletes remain eager to represent Nigeria and are making efforts to arrive on time for the pre-Commonwealth Games competition.
