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Glasgow 2026: AFN Unveils 29-Member Athletics Squad, Backs Team for Commonwealth Games Success
The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria’s medal prospects after unveiling a 29-member athletics squad for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The athletics contingent comprises 16 female and 13 male athletes, blending experienced stars with promising young talents as Nigeria targets a successful outing at one of the Commonwealth’s biggest multi-sport events.
Among the headline names are world record holder Tobi Amusan, sprint sensation Kanyinsola Ajayi, shot put star Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Rosemary Chukwuma, Favour Ashe, Patience George, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Temitope Adeshina, Esther Joseph and Blessing Ogundiran.
The squad also features exciting youngsters Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter, who recently switched their sporting allegiance to represent Nigeria, a move the federation believes will further strengthen the country’s athletics programme.
AFN Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, described the squad as one of the strongest Nigeria has assembled in recent years.
“We are heading to Glasgow with one of the strongest athletics teams Nigeria has assembled in recent years.
The athletes have shown tremendous commitment in training, and everyone is focused on representing the country with pride,” Aghazu said.
She singled out 19-year-old Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter for special praise, commending their dedication since joining the national team.
“Jessica and Jami have settled in remarkably well. They are disciplined, dedicated and eager to contribute to Nigeria’s success.
Their commitment has been outstanding, and we are delighted to have them in the Nigerian family.”
Aghazu also applauded the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, for creating an environment that has encouraged Nigerian-born athletes abroad to commit to representing the country.
According to her, the support provided by the Federal Government through the NSC has enabled the athletes to prepare under favourable conditions ahead of the Games.
She added that the atmosphere at Team Nigeria’s training camp in Aberdeen has been positive, with athletes and coaches united in their quest for success.
“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.”
The athletics competition at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games begins on July 27 and will run for six days.
Meanwhile, AFN President Chief Tonobok Okowa has joined Team Nigeria’s camp in Scotland after official engagements in Egypt and Tunisia.
Okowa, who also serves as Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) and President of CAA Region II, was honoured by the Egypt Athletics Federation and the Tunisia Athletics Federation for his outstanding contributions to athletics development across Africa.
Team Nigeria Athletics Squad (with Events)
Temitope Adeshina
High Jump
Tobi Amusan
100m Hurdles
Ruth Usoro
Long Jump / Triple Jump
Obi Chukwuka
400m
Rosemary Chukwuma
100m / 200m / 4x100m Relay
Patience George
400m / 4x400m Relay
Rosemary Nwankwo
100m / 200m / 4x100m Relay
Esther Joseph
100m / 4x100m Relay
Blessing Ogundiran
400m / 4x400m Relay
Jessica Oji
Shot Put
Olayinka Olajide
100m / 200m / 4x100m Relay
Oyesade Olatoye
Hammer Throw
Prestina Ochonogor
Long Jump
Miracle Ezechukwu
Discus Throw
Favour Onyah
Long Jump / Triple Jump
Obiageri Amaechi
Discus Throw
Kanyinsola Ajayi
100m / 4x100m Relay
Alaba Akintola
400m
Favour Ashe
100m / 4x100m Relay
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi
Shot Put
Chidera Ezeakor
100m
Ezekiel Nathaniel
400m Hurdles / 4x400m Relay
Samuel Ogazi
400m / 4x400m Relay
Israel Okon
100m / 200m / 4x100m Relay
Udodi Onwuzuruike
200m / 4x100m Relay
Edidiong Udo
400m
Adekalu Fakorede
Triple Jump
Jami Schlueter
Pole Vault
Chinekechem Nnamdi
Javelin Throw
Events Represented by Team Nigeria
100m
200m
400m
100m Hurdles
400m Hurdles
High Jump
Pole Vault
Long Jump
Triple Jump
Shot Put
Discus Throw
Hammer Throw
Javelin Throw
4x100m Relay
4x400m Relay
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has launched a new technical package containing seven proven strategies to help governments and communities prevent drowning, one of the leading causes of death among children globally.
The initiative, known by the acronym PROTECT, was unveiled ahead of World Drowning Prevention Day, observed annually on 25 July.
In a statement issued on Thursday, WHO said nearly 300,000 people die from drowning every year, making it one of the 10 leading causes of death among children aged five to 14 years worldwide.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus described every drowning as a preventable tragedy and urged governments to adopt practical, evidence-based measures to save lives.
Mr Ghebreyesus said preventing drowning requires coordinated action across sectors rather than the efforts of a single ministry.
“The seven measures are packaged under the acronym, PROTECT, translating the Global Strategy for Drowning Prevention into practical policy guidance for countries,” he said.
According to him, the package focuses on safer physical infrastructure around water, improved rescue and resuscitation services, occupational safety for water-related work and stronger safety standards for water transport.
It also promotes swimming and water safety education, stronger childcare and safeguarding systems, and better preparedness for floods and other emergencies.
Mr Ghebreyesus said WHO launched the PROTECT package in Ghana in recognition of the country’s growing commitment to drowning prevention and efforts to improve water safety.
He said it estimated that more than 1,100 people died from drowning annually in Ghana, equivalent to approximately three deaths every day.
READ ALSO: Nearly 2.7 billion people cannot have healthy diet – WHO
Mr Ghebreyesus said that children and young adults accounted for the highest burden.
WHO boss said that Ghana’s leadership demonstrated how evidence-based policies could reduce drowning deaths and encouraged other governments to adopt similar preventive measures.
Kelly Henning, who leads the public health programme at Bloomberg Philanthropies, said the framework would save lives, while strengthening global efforts to reduce drowning through proven interventions.
Mr Henning said that since 2014, Bloomberg Philanthropies had partnered with WHO on drowning prevention.
World Drowning Prevention Day theme, “Unite to Turn the Tide,” calls for coordinated action by governments, partners and communities to prevent drowning and save lives.
(NAN)
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