Author: Gist Correspondent

Team Nigeria concluded its campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with an impressive haul of 24 medals, finishing seventh on the overall medals table despite competing in a Games that featured fewer sporting events than previous editions.

The Nigerian contingent won 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze medals. Although the tally was 10 fewer than the country's performance at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, the reduced medal count reflected the scaled-down programme after several sports were removed.

Glasgow stepped in as host after Victoria, Australia, withdrew in 2023. Limited preparation time and budget constraints led to the exclusion of sports such as wrestling and table tennis, disciplines that have traditionally contributed significantly to Nigeria's medal success.

Nigeria's athletes nevertheless delivered several memorable performances. Samuel Ogazi became the first Nigerian to win Commonwealth Games gold in the men's 400 metres, while Kayinsola Ajayi claimed bronze in the men's 100 metres to end Nigeria's 20-year wait for a medal in the event.

In para-powerlifting, Folashade Oluwafemiayo successfully defended her heavyweight title, setting a new world record in the process. Goodness Nwachukwu also retained her women's para discus crown with a world-record performance, while 50-year-old Roland Ezuruike added a silver medal in the men's lightweight category.

Athletics produced Nigeria's highest medal haul with 13 podium finishes, followed by para-powerlifting with six medals. Weightlifting also contributed significantly as the country's emerging talents and experienced stars combined to deliver another commendable outing for Team Nigeria on the Commonwealth stage.

Nigeria's Medal Winners

Gold: Samuel Ogazi (400m), Ezekiel Nathaniel (400m hurdles), Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (shot put), Goodness Nwachukwu (para discus), Folashade Oluwafemiayo (para-powerlifting), Esther Nworgu (para-powerlifting), Riluwan Idris (para-powerlifting), Rafiatu Lawal (58kg weightlifting), Onome Didih (53kg weightlifting) and Edidiong Umuofia (71kg weightlifting).

Silver: Jessica Oji (shot put), Ruth Usoro (long jump), Udodi Onwuzurike (200m), Rita Ferdinand (para-powerlifting), Esther Onyema (para-powerlifting), Roland Ezuruike (para-powerlifting) and Ruth Nyong (48kg weightlifting).

Bronze: Tobi Amusan (100m hurdles), Kayinsola Ajayi (100m), Temitope Adeshina (high jump), Ella Onojuvwevwo (400m), the men's 4x100m relay team, the mixed 4x400m relay team and Enku Ekuta (63kg judo).