Stranded In The US: Nigerian Athletes Risk Missing Commonwealth Games

Stranded In The US: Nigerian Athletes Risk Missing Commonwealth Games

By Niyi Busari 

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow face significant uncertainty as several of the country’s top athletes risk being unavailable due to restrictive United States immigration policies, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

A large number of Nigeria’s elite track and field athletes are currently based in the United States, where they train and compete. However, recent immigration measures have created fears among visa holders that leaving the country—even temporarily—could jeopardize their ability to return.

As a result, athletes without U.S. passports are reportedly reluctant to travel for international competitions, including the Commonwealth Games scheduled to take place in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 3, 2026.

The impact of this situation is already evident. At the World Indoor Championships in Poland, Nigeria is represented by only one athlete, shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, who holds a U.S. passport. Other Nigerian athletes requiring U.S. visas have opted out of international travel to avoid the risk of being denied re-entry.

An official familiar with the situation explained that the limited participation is not due to administrative lapses by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) or the National Sports Commission (NSC), but rather the unintended consequences of U.S. immigration rules.

According to the official, current policies mean that visa holders from certain countries may be required to reapply for entry visas if they leave the United States, regardless of whether their existing visas are still valid. This has created widespread uncertainty among Nigerian athletes.

Among those potentially affected are some of Nigeria’s leading track stars, including Tobi Amusan, Kanyinsola Ajayi, Samuel Ogazi, and others who rely on U.S.-issued visas to remain in the country.

Sports administrators in Nigeria are now exploring possible solutions to ensure that athletes can travel for international competitions and return to the United States without complications. However, with the Commonwealth Games fast approaching, time is becoming a critical factor.

Failure to resolve the situation could significantly weaken Nigeria’s representation at the Glasgow Games, where the country traditionally performs strongly in athletics.