Okon withdraws from Commonwealth Games

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Nigerian sprinter Israel Okon has withdrawn from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after suffering a hamstring injury, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

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Okon announced on Monday that he would not compete due to the injury, just two days before the start of the men’s 200m event.

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The 19-year-old’s withdrawal is a significant setback for Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent. He had also been entered for the men’s 4x100m relay, where he was expected to bolster Nigeria’s medal prospects.

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Despite the disappointment of missing the Games, Okon reflected positively on what has been a breakthrough 2026 season.

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“First and foremost, I thank God Almighty for His grace and blessings. I’m truly grateful to have achieved my first sub-10 in the 100m and, after three years of running 20.87s in the 200m, I finally broke the 20-second barrier.

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“Unfortunately, I won’t be competing at the Commonwealth Games due to a hamstring injury, but I’m focused on my recovery and coming back stronger next season.

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“Wishing all my friends and Team Nigeria the very best. Go make history and make Nigeria proud.”

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Okon, who won the national 100m title in 2025, set a personal best of 9.91 seconds at the LSU Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in May 2026. Earlier this year, he clocked his second sub-10-second performance, running 9.99s at the University of Kentucky Outdoor Track Facility in Lexington.

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He also broke the 20-second barrier in the 200m earlier this year, posting a personal best of 19.94s during the NCAA East First Round at the University of Kentucky Outdoor Track Facility in Lexington.

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Okon’s absence leaves a gap in Nigeria’s sprint squad, particularly in the 4x100m relay, as the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and the coaching crew adjust their plans for the competition.

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The athletes available for relay selection include Kayinsola Ajayi, Fakorede Adekalu, Udodi Onwuzurike, Alaba Akintola and Favour Ashe.

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