Nigerian sprint sensation Favour Onyah has expressed deep frustration over her exclusion from the country’s athletics team for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, warning that she may no longer represent Nigeria after what she described as years of sacrifice without fair recognition.
The talented sprinter, who earned qualification for the Games through her performance at the national trials, said she was left shocked after discovering her name was missing from the final squad announced by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN).
Her emotional reaction has sparked fresh debate over athlete selection, transparency and the treatment of Nigerian sports stars who continue to raise concerns about administrative decisions affecting their careers.
Speaking after learning of her omission, Onyah admitted she had reached a breaking point.
According to the sprinter, the latest decision has left her questioning whether continuing to compete for Nigeria is worthwhile after dedicating years of hard work, discipline and commitment to wearing the country’s colours on the international stage.
“I’ve had enough,” she said, expressing disappointment over what she believes is an unfair decision despite meeting the required qualification standards at the national trials.
The controversy comes at a time when Team Nigeria is preparing for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with ambitious medal targets across several sports.
Athletics remains one of the country’s strongest medal hopes, making any dispute surrounding team selection particularly significant.
For many athletes, qualifying at the national trials has traditionally been regarded as the primary pathway to representing Nigeria at major championships.
Onyah’s exclusion despite achieving the qualifying standard has therefore raised questions among athletes and sports followers about the criteria used in final team selections.
Although officials are yet to provide a detailed public explanation regarding her omission, the incident has once again highlighted concerns that have repeatedly surfaced within Nigerian athletics over selection procedures and communication between administrators and athletes.
Favour Onyah has steadily built her reputation as one of Nigeria’s promising sprint talents through consistent performances in domestic competitions and international meets.
Known for her explosive starts and determination on the track, she has worked tirelessly to establish herself among the country’s leading female sprinters.
Like many Nigerian athletes, her journey has been marked by years of rigorous training, financial challenges and personal sacrifices in pursuit of international success.
Representing Nigeria has remained one of her biggest motivations throughout her career.
Athletes often endure demanding training schedules while balancing education, employment and limited financial support.
For many, selection to major competitions such as the Commonwealth Games represents not only national pride but also an opportunity to improve their international rankings, attract sponsorships and secure future professional opportunities.
Missing such events can have lasting consequences on an athlete’s career development.
The situation has generated widespread discussion within Nigeria’s sporting community, with many supporters calling for greater transparency in team selection.
Sports analysts argue that clearly communicated selection policies help protect athletes from uncertainty while strengthening confidence in national sporting institutions.
The Commonwealth Games remain one of the world’s biggest multi sport events, bringing together elite competitors from across the Commonwealth.
For Nigerian athletes, participation offers the chance to compete against world class opposition while contributing to Team Nigeria’s medal ambitions.
The National Sports Commission has set an ambitious target for Nigeria to achieve one of its best ever performances in Glasgow, with athletics expected to play a central role in that campaign.
Onyah’s disappointment also reflects broader concerns about athlete welfare in Nigerian sports.
Over the years, several elite competitors have publicly spoken about administrative disputes, delayed funding, poor communication and selection controversies.
Many believe addressing these issues is essential if Nigeria hopes to maximise its enormous sporting potential.
Despite her emotional comments, supporters remain hopeful that dialogue between the athlete and sports authorities could resolve the dispute before it permanently affects her international career.
Nigeria has produced numerous world class sprinters, and many believe retaining talented athletes like Onyah is vital for the future of the country’s athletics programme.
As preparations for the Commonwealth Games continue, attention will now focus on whether the Athletics Federation of Nigeria responds to the concerns raised by the sprinter and whether any further clarification will be provided regarding the selection process.
For Favour Onyah, the disappointment is clearly about more than missing one competition.
It represents the frustration of an athlete who believes her efforts, achievements and commitment have not received the recognition they deserve.
Whether this latest controversy leads to reconciliation or ultimately brings an end to her international career with Nigeria remains to be seen..
