Travel Fears may mar Team Nigeria preparations for Commonwealth Games
By Tunde Liadi Nigeria’s athletics programme faces a growing crisis ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with several top athletes at risk of missing the event due to
By Tunde Liadi
Nigeria’s athletics programme faces a growing crisis ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with several top athletes at risk of missing the event due to tightening United States immigration policies.
A significant number of Nigeria’s elite athletes are based in the U.S., where they train under collegiate and professional systems. However, new immigration uncertainties have created fears that travelling abroad could jeopardize their ability to re-enter the country.
This concern has already impacted participation at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, where Chukwuebuka Enekwechi a U.S. passport holder was the only Nigerian competitor.
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Top stars such as Tobi Amusan, Kanyinsola Ajayi, and Samuel Ogazi are among those potentially affected, as many rely on visas to remain in the United States.
Officials have clarified that the situation is not due to lapses by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria or the National Sports Commission, but rather the unintended consequences of U.S. immigration regulations, which may require visa holders to reapply if they leave the country.
With the 2026 Commonwealth Games fast approaching, Nigerian authorities are exploring solutions to safeguard athlete participation. Failure to resolve the issue could significantly weaken the nation’s medal prospects in one of its strongest sporting disciplines.
