Okon Withdraws From Commonwealth Games

Nigerian sprinter Israel Okon has withdrawn from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after suffering a hamstring injury.

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.

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.

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

“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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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