The federation disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday in Lagos by Maxwell Kumoye, Chairman of the AFN Media Committee.

Kumoye said the trials would hold at the Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) Sports Complex, Lagos, and would bring together some of the nation’s finest athletes.

“This is a crucial stage in the qualification process for athletes seeking to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games.

“The AFN has made it clear that participation in the trials is mandatory for any athlete hoping to secure a place on Team Nigeria.

“This makes the Lagos event a make-or-break opportunity for both established stars and emerging talents,” he said.

According to him, the Commonwealth Games offer athletes an opportunity for national pride, international exposure and glory, with preparations already intensifying across the country.

“The trials will be one of the most competitive national championships in recent years.

“The three-day event will feature 32 track and field events for both men and women, providing opportunities for athletes to stake their claims for selection.

“Participation in the men’s and women’s 100 metres, 200 metres and 400 metres will be restricted to athletes who have achieved the prescribed qualifying standards.

“All other track and field events will remain open for participation,” he said.

He noted that the arrangement was designed to ensure that only athletes in top form compete in the sprint events, while maintaining broad participation in other disciplines.

Kumoye said athletes were expected to arrive in Lagos on June 19 and depart on June 23.

He added that the federation would provide accommodation for athletes who had achieved the required standards during the qualification period.

According to him, the list of athletes who have met the stipulated benchmarks will be released in the coming days.

“The trials are expected to produce thrilling contests across several events as athletes seek to impress selectors and secure places on Team Nigeria for Glasgow 2026,” he said.

AFN President, Tonobok Okowa, called on athletics stakeholders, enthusiasts and fans to support the athletes during the championship.

Okowa described the trials as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games and expressed confidence that the event would help identify the country’s best talents.

He also commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its continued support for the federation and Nigerian athletes.

The AFN boss said that the support from NSC had strengthened athletics development and had also improved elite athletes performance.

“As the countdown to Glasgow gathers momentum, attention now shifts to Lagos, where dreams will be realised, ambitions tested and places on Team Nigeria earned.

“For every athlete aspiring to wear Nigeria’s colours at the Commonwealth Games, the message from the federation is unmistakable: the road to Glasgow passes through the AFN National Trials,” Okowa said.

He added that competition for the available slots was expected to be intense, given Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s leading athletics nations.

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Speaking at the post match conference, the Spaniards said he leaves with memories that are more important than the titles he won for the Club.

Guardiola asserted that it was the memories and connections he made, not the silverware, that will define his decade of managing City.

He said: “The luggage of memories I put inside is more than any other (team previously).

“Without 20 trophies they would have sacked me before, but you are not at home and see the trophies and say ‘Oh, how happy I am.’

“I don’t know, explain to me why the connection I had since day one for the city, but especially with the back-room staff, with the players. I know we were ⁠connected.”

Guardiola singled out captain Bernardo Silva and defender John Stones who are also leaving the club.

“I don’t cry, but when I see Bernardo cry, I cry. It was such a special moment with Bernie. He said to me, ‘I’m so tired, I cannot run.’ And the emotions were so important today with John.”

Guardiola’s 95 years Old father was at the Etihad to witness his son’s last game in-charge of the club.

Guardiola was announced as City manager on Feb. 1, 2026. He won 20 trophies, including six Premier League titles.

He led Manchester City to their first treble in the 2022-23 season, winning the Premier League League, the FA Cup, and the UEFA Champions League.

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Fernandes broke the record when Patrick Dorgu headed home his corner kick in the 32nd minute of United’s 3-0 win over Brighton & Hove Albion, marking Fernandez’s 21 assist of the season.

The record was jointly held by Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and ex- Manchester City midfielder Kevin De Bruyne.

They both bagged 20 Premier League assists in the 2002/23 and 2019/20 seasons respectively.

Fernandes had equalled the assist record when he assisted United’s third goal in their previous game against Nottingham Forest.

Manchester United scored two more goals through Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes to end their season with a 3-0 win away from home.

Speaking after the game, Fernandes said joining Henry and De Bruyne in the assist conversation was already special.

“It was already special ⁠being in their (Henry and De Bruyne) company.

“We are talking about two players that made the Premier League so great, and they were two of the greatest in the Premier League.”

The Portuguese playmaker ended the season with 21 assists and 9 goals, making it a total of 30 goal contribution for the Red Devils.

He was earlier named Premier League Player of the season.

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Our correspondent reports that Nigeria was drawn alongside co-hosts Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau during Tuesday’s draw held at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo.

The 48 participating teams were drawn into 12 groups of four teams each, with the top two teams from every group qualifying for the tournament scheduled for June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Speaking with our correspondent on Thursday in Abuja, Eguavoen dismissed claims that Nigeria had been handed an easy group.

“A lot of people think it’s an easy group, but I don’t think so.

“However, considering our pedigree and our performance at the last AFCON, where we did brilliantly well, I believe we can scale through.

“We just have to approach it one game at a time,” he said.

Eguavoen, who handled the Super Eagles against Guinea-Bissau at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon, recalled the difficult encounters against the West African side.

“I remember Guinea-Bissau gave us a run for our money. They are not a bad side at all.

“When Jose Peseiro was in charge, it was also a very tight game, although we eventually overcame them,” he said.

The former international also warned against underrating Madagascar and Tanzania.

“Madagascar are another hard nut to crack. They are a good side that has improved and evolved seriously.

“Tanzania will also be stubborn opponents. We met them at the last AFCON and they were tough in the first 15 to 20 minutes before we eventually came out on top.

“I still believe we will qualify, but it is going to be a very tough group,” he said.

Our correspondent reports that Eguavoen currently combines his role as NFF Technical Director with duties as senior adviser to Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle.

Our correspondent reports that the 2027 AFCON tagged “PAMOJA 2027” initiative, emanated from a Swahili word meaning “together”; it symbolises regional unity and collaboration.

The tournament will mark the first AFCON to be hosted by three countries and the first to be staged in East Africa since 1976.

Our correspondent also reports that Nigeria defeated Madagascar home and away during the qualifiers for the 2012 AFCON.

In the build-up to the 2023 AFCON, Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau shared victories, with Guinea-Bissau winning in Abuja, before the Super Eagles secured victory in the reverse fixture in Bissau.

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Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernández, produced a moment of brilliance in the 18th minute, bending a long-range effort into the net to ignite the home crowd. The pressure kept building, and Andrey Santos doubled the advantage midway through the second half, putting the hosts firmly in control.

Tottenham Hotspur refused to go quietly. In the 74th minute, Richarlison pounced from close range after a clever Pape Matar Sarr backheel, dragging Spurs back into the contest and setting up a frantic finale. Wave after wave of Tottenham attacks followed, but the equaliser never came.

The defeat leaves Spurs clinging to survival, with West Ham now breathing down their necks in the table, just two points behind. With one match left, the pressure is unbearable, Tottenham now head into a decisive final-day clash against Everton where even a draw could be enough, thanks to goal difference.

Captain James Maddison admitted the tension inside the squad, calling the situation “embarrassing” as Spurs fight to avoid a first relegation since 1977.

For West Ham, the equation is simple: beat Leeds and hope Spurs slip. Meanwhile, Burnley and Wolves have already fallen.

The win also marks a rare bright moment for Chelsea, snapping their winless league run since March and lifting them up to eighth, offering a late spark in an otherwise inconsistent season.

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Mikel Arteta’s side were confirmed as champions without even kicking a ball, as City could only manage a 1-1 draw at the Vitality Stadium. The result sparked wild celebrations at Arsenal’s training ground, where the squad had gathered for a late session before watching Bournemouth do them the ultimate favor.

Midfielder Declan Rice, who had downplayed title talk after last month’s defeat at City, took to social media to declare: “I told you all… it’s done.” Jubilant scenes followed as players lined up for a team photo alongside a giant cardboard replica of the Premier League trophy, via The Mirror.

For Pep Guardiola, the result marked a bittersweet farewell in what is expected to be his final season at the Etihad. The City boss, who is set to depart after a decade at the helm ahead of Sunday’s home finale against Aston Villa, offered a classy tribute to his former assistant.

“Congratulations to Mikel, congratulations to Arsenal, they have been phenomenal,” Guardiola said. “We were close. On behalf of everyone at Manchester City, we congratulate Mikel and all the staff, players and fans. They deserve it.”

However, Guardiola refused to confirm his own future, adding: “I have one more year of my contract. I will talk to the chairman at the end of the season. I am the happiest man on the planet to be at this extraordinary club.”

Meanwhile, Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, who has guided his side into European contention, summed up the night perfectly: “At the beginning of the season you didn’t imagine it. We have not won the game but it does not matter. I’ve enjoyed it so much, how we played and the personality we showed.”

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Burnley resisted Mikel Arteta’s men until Kai Havertz rose highest to head in Bukayo Saka’s corner just before halftime.

Arsenal were scrappy for most part of the game but they held on to secure all three points in their penultimate game, moving them five points clear of Manchester City.

With the win, Arsenal now have 82 points from 37 games, while Manchester City have 77 points from 36 games.

Arteta’s men will be confirmed champions if Manchester City fail to beat Bournemouth on Tuesday.

Should City win away to Bournemouth, Arsenal will need to beat Crystal Palace away from home on the final day of the league to be confirmed champions.

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The result saw the French side advance 6-5 on aggregate, reaching the final for the second consecutive time.

PSG, the defending champions, took an early lead in the third minute through Ousmane Dembele, who converted a cutback pass from Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Bayern Munich dominated possession for much of the game, but PSG’s defence remained resolute to limit clear scoring opportunities.

Harry Kane equalised for the German side in stoppage time, but the goal came too late to change the outcome of the tie.

PSG will face Arsenal in the final scheduled for May 30 in Budapest.

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Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Shaibu decried the lack of collaboration among key organisations responsible for the development of sports in the country.

He noted that the NSC, NIS, and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are recognised by law and should work together.

“Among the agencies recognised by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, through various bills, are the NSC, NIS, and the NFF.

“These are the three main parastatals recognised in the sports sector, especially with the suspension of the Federal Ministry of Sports.

“Other bodies are federations, except the NFF, which is recognised as a parastatal.

“As we speak today, there is no coordination among these three arms of the sports sector. We do not hold meetings.

“Since I became NIS DG, we have not had any major meeting to discuss the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, Bola Tinubu.

“I have made several attempts and have personally visited to bring everyone together so we can address the issues affecting our sports sector.

“It appears as though we are only aware of each other through the media—when you hear that the NSC is doing one thing and the NIS is doing another,” he said.

The former Edo deputy governor, however, noted that there has been progress in collaboration with the NFF, although engagement with the NSC has been challenging.

“Just last week, we had a breakthrough meeting with the NFF. We are now almost 90 percent aligned, and our technical teams are already working together.

“But this is not the case with the NSC. We have reached out, but the responses have not been encouraging.

“However, we are not deterred. We will continue to do what is necessary as an institute to ensure Nigeria retains its top position in sports in Africa as mandated by Tinubu,” he added.

Shaibu also called for the immediate constitution of the NSC board.

“I want to use this opportunity to call on the NSC to constitute its board.

“Two individuals (Shehu Dikko, the Chairman and DG, Bukola Olopade) cannot continue to run the NSC. It is against the law, and the process of constituting the board must begin immediately.

“Without a board, it is like a governor or president operating without a legislature.

“The board must be constituted for sports to be effectively managed in Nigeria and to ensure proper checks and balances.

“When I was appointed as DG, I said I would volunteer myself as a watchdog in this space to ensure everyone is doing the right thing.

“I will continue to speak out because I am part of the system. I have a passion for sports, both as a sportsman and as someone committed to giving back,” he said.

The NIS boss also used the occasion to present Nigeria’s first certified medical director for marathon races.

Shaibu criticised the country’s lack of technical expertise in spite of its abundance of talents, noting that Nigeria has long relied on expatriates to organise marathon events.

“For a long time, we have not had a Nigerian certified as a medical director for marathon races. Today, we now have one.

“He recently returned from Spain, where he completed physical training after concluding his online sessions. We now have our first certified medical director for marathon races.

“Without this certification, no gold-label marathon races, such as the Okpekpe Race, can be organised in Nigeria without employing foreign experts, which has been the case.

“It is both sad and alarming that, until now, we did not have any Nigerian with this certification.

“This is another reason the NSC board must be constituted to address issues like this and others affecting the sector,” he added.

In his remarks, Dr. Sam Ogbondeminu, the newly certified medical director, thanked the NIS and other stakeholders who contributed to his feat for their support.

He pledged to apply his expertise whenever needed.

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