Ochonogor Wins Long Jump at National Trials

Prestina Ochonogor won the women’s long jump on the first day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games National Trials. The event took place at the Yabatech Sports Complex in Yaba, Lagos on Sunday. She jumped 6.57 metres, taking first place even without national record holder Ese Brume.

Ochonogor's jump was enough to beat the competition in one of Nigeria’s toughest events, despite Brume not being there.

In the men’s triple jump, Olaoluwa Akindunbi from Arena Academy had an impressive day. He cleared 16.08 metres, setting a new personal best and winning the event.

Vivian Obadiah from Delta State also shined, achieving a personal best in the women’s 5,000 metres. She finished the race in 17:24.85, winning the title. Nigerian sprinters were also on the track for the 100 metres preliminaries and heats on the first day.

The president of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria, Tonobok Okowa, welcomed athletes and officials to Lagos. He apologized for the one-day delay that moved the start of the trials from Saturday to Sunday. He encouraged athletes to give their best and promised full support from the federation.

Bukola Olopade, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, attended as a special guest. He praised the athletes and called the younger competitors the future of track and field in Nigeria. He also noted the AFN’s commitment to grassroots development.

Abubakar Ladan Zurmi, the AFN’s first vice-president, asked Nigerians to be patient. He said the best performances are still to come in the next two days of the competition.

He mentioned that the federation would have also postponed for home-based athletes if they faced similar delays as foreign-based athletes did.

The trials will continue on Monday with more events planned across several disciplines.