Nigeria’s build-up to the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow is under threat, as visa concerns in the United States leave several top athletes unsure about travelling.
Many of the country’s leading track and field stars are currently training in the U.S., but stricter immigration conditions have created a dilemma. For athletes on visas, stepping out of the country—even briefly—could mean facing delays or even denial when trying to return.
That risk is already shaping decisions.
Some athletes are now choosing to skip international competitions altogether rather than gamble with their residency status.
The upcoming Commonwealth Games, scheduled for July 23 to August 3 in Glasgow, could be affected if the situation remains unresolved.
The warning signs are already visible. At the recent World Indoor Championships in Poland, Nigeria had just one representative—shot putter Chukwuebuka Enekwechi, who holds an American passport.
Others stayed back in the U.S. to avoid complications with their visas.
Sports officials insist the situation is not due to poor planning or administrative lapses by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria or the National Sports Commission.
Instead, they point to evolving U.S. immigration procedures that have made travel more uncertain for foreign athletes.
Under current conditions, some visa holders may be required to undergo fresh entry processes if they leave the United States, even when their documents are still valid.
That uncertainty has left many unwilling to take the risk.
Athletes such as Tobi Amusan, Kanyinsola Ajayi, and Samuel Ogazi are among those potentially affected, raising concerns about the strength of Nigeria’s squad if the issue persists.
With the countdown to Glasgow already underway, sports authorities are exploring possible solutions.
But with time ticking, Nigeria faces a race off the track—to ensure its best athletes are available when it matters most.
The post Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games Plans Hit by U.S. Visa Fears first appeared on Africa Top Sports.
