National long jump champion Prestina Ochonogor will now compete for Team Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after organisers reversed their earlier decision that ruled her out of the competition.
The last-minute clearance brings an end to days of uncertainty surrounding the 19-year-old’s participation and hands Nigeria a timely boost ahead of the women’s long jump event.
An official of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) confirmed the development on Tuesday, revealing that Ochonogor has now been officially approved to feature in Saturday’s women’s long jump final.
The breakthrough comes just days after Games organisers informed Team Nigeria that the youngster could not be registered because her name was not included in the country’s initial entry list. The decision also affected Ruth Usoro, whom Nigeria had attempted to add following the withdrawal of reigning Commonwealth champion Ese Brume.
Despite the initial rejection, fresh discussions between Nigerian officials and Games organisers resulted in Ochonogor’s eligibility being restored, clearing the way for one of the country’s brightest field athletes to chase Commonwealth glory.
Ochonogor booked her place in Team Nigeria after producing an impressive performance at the National Athletics Trials in Lagos in June. Competing at the Yabatech Sports Complex, she claimed the women’s long jump title with a leap of 6.57 metres, outperforming a strong field in Brume’s absence.
The United States-based athlete has enjoyed a rapid rise in recent seasons, and her inclusion is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s medal prospects in Glasgow.
The women’s long jump will be contested as a straight final, with the official start list expected to be released before competition begins.
Nigeria will be hoping Ochonogor can build on the country’s rich history in the event, following Brume’s dominance. The veteran jumper captured Commonwealth gold in both Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022, setting a Games record of 7.00m in her successful title defence four years ago.
