…Jessica Oji, Jami Schlueter boost Team Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games ambition
Team Nigeria will parade a formidable 29-member athletics contingent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as the country intensifies its quest for medals on one of the biggest multi-sport stages in the Commonwealth.
The athletics team comprises 16 female and 13 male athletes, blending experienced campaigners with exciting young talents expected to make their mark in Glasgow.
Among the notable names are world record holder Tobi Amusan, red hot sprinter, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, Rosemary Chukwuma, Favour Ashe, Patience George, Ezekiel Nathaniel, Temitope Adeshina, Esther Joseph, Blessing Ogundiran, and rising stars Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter, who recently switched their sporting allegiance to represent Nigeria.
The inclusion of the two young athletes has been described as a significant boost for the country’s athletics programme.
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) Second Vice President, Akuchukwu Aghazu, expressed confidence in the quality of the squad, insisting that the team possesses the talent, determination and unity required to compete with the best at the Games.
“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 reserved special praise for 19-year-old Jessica Oji and Jami Schlueter, describing both athletes as dedicated competitors who have embraced the opportunity to wear Nigeria’s colours.
“Jessica and Jami have settled in remarkably well. They are extremely dedicated, disciplined and eager to contribute to Nigeria’s success. They are putting in the right shift every day because they want to help put Nigeria firmly on the global athletics map. Their commitment has been outstanding, and we are delighted to have them in the Nigerian family,” she added.
Aghazu also credited the National Sports Commission (NSC) leadership for creating an environment that has encouraged talented athletes abroad to believe in Nigeria once again.
“The credit must go to the leadership of the National Sports Commission under Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Honourable Bukola Olopade. They have opened the space for young Nigerian athletes to believe in their country again. Their support, vision and commitment are helping to rebuild confidence and strengthen Team Nigeria.”
The AFN executive further commended the Federal Government for providing the necessary backing ahead of the Games.
“The support from the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission has been encouraging. Our athletes have been given the platform to prepare properly, and the atmosphere around the team has been very positive. We appreciate the confidence reposed in the athletes and we are determined to justify that support with strong performances in Glasgow.”
According to Aghazu, the atmosphere in Team Nigeria’s training camp in Aberdeen has been one of unity, discipline and shared purpose, with athletes motivating one another as they fine-tune preparations for the competition.
“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 environment has been friendly, professional and highly motivating, and that gives us confidence going into the Games.”
With a balanced squad featuring established stars and promising youngsters, Nigeria will be aiming to reinforce its status as one of Africa’s athletics powerhouses when competition begins in Glasgow.
The AFN believes the blend of experience, youthful energy and improved support structure provides the foundation for another memorable outing at the Commonwealth Games.
The athletics event at the Games begins on Monday the 27th of July and it will last for six exciting and equally challenging days.
It’s important to state that the President of the Athletics Federation (AFN), Chief Tonobok Okowa has joined the team in Scotland after his working trip to Egypt and Tunisia.
Okowa, a Senior Vice President of the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA), was honoured in Egypt by Egypt Athletics Federation for his developmental stride in Africa.
Similarly Tunisia Athletics did the same for Okowa who is also the President of CAA Region 2.
