Ochonogor Cleared for Commonwealth Games Long Jump After Eligibility U-Turn

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Team Nigeria has received a major boost ahead of the athletics programme at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after national long jump champion Prestina Ochonogor was cleared to compete following the reversal of an earlier decision that ruled her ineligible.

The Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) confirmed on Tuesday that the 19-year-old has now been approved to participate in the women’s long jump, bringing an end to days of uncertainty surrounding her eligibility.

The confusion began after Commonwealth Games officials informed Team Nigeria that Ochonogor could not be included in the final entry list because her name was absent from the country’s original submission.

In a letter issued on Sunday and signed by the Games’ Technical Delegate, Chris Cohen, organisers rejected Nigeria’s request to add both Ochonogor and fellow jumper Ruth Usoro after the withdrawal of multiple Commonwealth champion Ese Brume.

However, following further discussions, the issue has now been resolved, paving the way for Ochonogor to compete in Saturday’s women’s long jump final.

The teenager secured her place on Team Nigeria after producing an outstanding performance at the National Athletics Trials held in Lagos in June.

Competing at the Yaba College of Technology Sports Complex, Ochonogor recorded a winning leap of 6.57 metres to claim the national title in the absence of Brume, confirming her status as one of Nigeria’s brightest field-event prospects.

The women’s long jump competition in Glasgow will be held as a straight final, with the official list of competitors expected to be released before the event.

Her clearance comes as welcome news for Team Nigeria, whose athletics contingent is targeting multiple medals at the Games. Officials remain optimistic that the country’s track and field athletes can deliver a strong medal haul as competition intensifies.

Nigeria will be without reigning Commonwealth champion Ese Brume, who withdrew from the Games through injury. Brume won gold in both Glasgow 2014 and Birmingham 2022, setting a Commonwealth Games record of 7.00 metres during her title-winning performance in Birmingham.

With Ochonogor now officially eligible, Team Nigeria will hope the young jumper can seize the opportunity and challenge for a place on the podium in Glasgow.