National long jump champion Prestina Ochonogor will not compete in the women’s long jump at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after organisers rejected Nigeria’s request to include her in the event.
The decision followed Nigeria’s attempt to field both Ochonogor and Ruth Usoro after the withdrawal of experienced jumper Ese Brume. However, Games officials ruled that the request breached competition entry regulations.
In a letter sent to Team Nigeria and signed by Commonwealth Games Technical Delegate Chris Cohen, organisers explained that Nigeria had already used its permitted athlete replacement in the event and could not add another competitor after the final entry deadline.
The ruling means Ruth Usoro will be Nigeria’s sole representative in the women’s long jump following Brume’s withdrawal.
Ochonogor had strengthened her case for selection by winning the women’s long jump at the National Athletics Trials in Lagos in June with a leap of 6.57 metres at the YABATECH Sports Complex.
The teenager has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most promising field athletes and was widely expected to feature at the Games following her impressive domestic performances.
While her exclusion is a setback for Team Nigeria, attention will now turn to Usoro as Nigeria continues its pursuit of athletics medals in Glasgow.
