Olopade praises AFN for grassroots efforts

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, has praised the Athletics Federation of Nigeria for its dedication to grassroots development. He described the performances at the 2026 Commonwealth Games National Trials in Lagos as proof that the system is starting to show results.

Olopade spoke to journalists at the Yabatech Sports Complex in Lagos. He highlighted the AFN, along with the Wrestling and Chess federations, for their positive response to the NSC’s call for grassroots activation.

"We are seeing school children representing us at world and Africa championships. We are close to having two of these school children go to the Commonwealth Games. We didn’t see this twenty years ago. The teamwork between the NSC and these federations is becoming very productive. I have no doubt the future will be bright," he said.

On the topic of foreign athletes missing the trials due to visa challenges, Olopade mentioned that the AFN leadership assured him that waivers would be provided. This is especially for those athletes based in the United States.

"We all know the problems that stopped them from coming, mainly the visa situation we are sorting out. Hopefully, by Thursday this week, we will have some assurances to ensure they join the Commonwealth team, considering their current performance levels," he said.

The women’s 5,000 metres event saw five athletes qualify for the Ben Aghazu Excellence in Athletics Prize, with all five setting personal bests. Vivian Obadiah from Delta State led with a time of 17:24.85. She was followed by Mary Bulus of D-MSF at 17:26.28, Aminat Alabi from Osheku Athletics Academy at 17:26.51, Nvou Tanko of D-MSF with 17:26.82, and Arinde Boluwatife from D’Star Athletics Academy at 17:33.07.

Akuchukwu Aghazu, the initiator of the prize and AFN second vice-president, said these performances validate the prize's purpose.

"I am truly excited by what we witnessed in the women’s 5,000m. Seeing five athletes reach the benchmark and all recording personal bests shows our athletes are responding well to the chances given to them," she said.

"The aim of this prize is to inspire athletes to dream bigger, train harder, and believe that excellence will always be rewarded."

Chief Solomon Ogba, vice-president of the Nigeria Olympic Committee, was also present. He expressed joy at the level of competition and organization displayed during the event.