Team Nigeria left a lasting impression at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, delivering a series of historic performances that rewrote the nation’s record books.
Samuel Ogazi Claims Historic 400m Gold
Nineteen‑year‑old Samuel Ogazi became the first Nigerian man to win the Commonwealth Games 400m title. He raced to gold in a Games‑record time of 44.25 seconds, ending Nigeria’s 32‑year medal drought in the event since Sunday Bada’s bronze in 1994.
Temitope Adeshina Secures Women’s High Jump Bronze
National record holder Temitope Adeshina cleared 1.90m to claim bronze in the women’s high jump. Her podium finish made her the first Nigerian to medal in the event at the Commonwealth Games in 60 years, matching the feat of Samuel Igun, who won silver in Kingston, Jamaica, in 1966.
Ezekiel Nathaniel Wins Men’s 400m Hurdles Gold
African record holder Ezekiel Nathaniel continued his upward trajectory by capturing gold in the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 48.47 seconds. He became the first Nigerian man to win Commonwealth Games gold in the discipline and the country’s first medallist since Ajoke Odumosu’s bronze in 2010.
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi Breaks Through in Shot Put
Chukwuebuka Enekwechi finally earned his breakthrough on the big stage, becoming Nigeria’s first Commonwealth Games champion in the men’s shot put. His winning throw of 21.07 m edged out New Zealand’s Tom Walsh (21.03 m), while England’s Scott Lincoln took bronze with 20.99 m. Prior to Enekwechi’s victory, only Vivian Chukwuemeka had secured a shot put medal for Nigeria at the Games.
Ella Onojuvwevwo Wins Women’s 400m Bronze
Making her senior debut, Ella Onojuvwevwo claimed bronze in the women’s 400m with a time of 51.00 seconds. The medal marked her first individual senior award for Nigeria and the nation’s first Commonwealth Games podium in the event since Fatima Yusuf’s silver in 1994.
Kayinsola Ajayi Adds Men’s 100m Bronze
Kayinsola Ajayi continued his record‑breaking year by winning bronze in the men’s 100m. He became the first Nigerian man to reach the Commonwealth Games podium in the sprint since Olusoji Fasuba’s silver in 2006. Notably, Ajayi also lowered Fasuba’s long‑standing national record from 9.85 seconds to 9.84 seconds earlier in the season.
Jessica Orji Takes Women’s Shot Put Silver
Jessica Orji added to Nigeria’s medal haul with a silver in the women’s shot put. She became only the second Nigerian woman to medal in the event, following Vivian Chukwuemeka’s gold in 2002 and silver in 2006.
Udodi Onwuzurike Secures Men’s 200m Silver
Udodi Onwuzurike rounded out Nigeria’s historic haul with a silver in the men’s 200m, clocking a season‑best 20.09 seconds. His performance ended a 32‑year wait for a Nigerian medal in the event, the last being Daniel Effiong’s bronze in 1994.
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