After an initial hiccup occasioned by a thunderstorm, which disrupted their flights last Friday, scores of United States-based athletes arrived in Lagos yesterday for the 2026 Commonwealth Games National Trials.

The event, held at Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), was initially scheduled to commence on Saturday, but was moved by one day to accommodate the U.S- based athletes.

As of yesterday afternoon, over 10 U.S.-based stars had arrived at the venue, while a few others were still being awaited.

Following the delayed arrival of the foreign-based stars, the 100m final, early fixed for yesterday, will be held today.

Among the foreign stars on ground for the trials are Favour Ashe, Nyenuchi Okemgbo (400m hurdles), Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (Shot Put), Oyesade Olatoye (hammer women and shot put women), Dolapo Divine Oladipo (shot put women  and discus Women), Obiageri Amaechi (discus Women),

Others are Jami Schlueter (pecathlon and pole vault), Adaobi OrjiugoTabugbo (100m hurdles women), Chidi Okezie (400m), Stella Ayanleke (100m hurdles),  Adekalu Nicolas Fakorode  (100m) and Emmanuel Bamidele (400m).

Some notable stars missing at the trials yesterday were world record holder in 100m hurdles, Tobi Amusan, 100m speed star Kanyinsola Ajayi, Rosemary Chukwuma, and 400m new sensation Samuel Ogazi.

The U.S.-based athletes were led into YABATECH Sports Centre, yesterday by U.S.-based Coach Gabriel Opuana.

On ground to cheer the athletes at YABATECH, yesterday, were top sports dignitaries, including Atlanta ‘96 Olympics gold medallist, Chioma Ajunwa, former African queen of the track, Mary Onyali, Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC) Bukola Olopade, First Vice president of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Solomon Ogba, Second Vice President of the AFN, Akuchukwu Agahazu, the chairman of Delta Athletics Association, Malik Ikpokpo, head of NSC Elite Board, Yusuf Alli, former Director of Sports, Delta State Commission, Festus Ohwojero, and the president of Para Sports, Sunny Odebode.

The Commonwealth Games National Trials will end tomorrow.