Nigeria's Athletics Team Overcomes Setbacks to Win Two Medals in Glasgow

Posted : 30 July 2026

Nigeria's athletics team demonstrated resilience at the 2026 Commonwealth Games on Wednesday night, overcoming injuries and illness to secure two medals through Kayinsola Ajayi and Temitope Adeshina in Glasgow.

Ajayi delivered one of the standout performances of the championships by winning bronze in the men's 100m, becoming the first Nigerian male sprinter in two decades to reach the Commonwealth Games podium in the event.

His achievement ended a 20-year wait since Olusoji Fasuba claimed silver at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne.

Cameroon's Emmanuel Eseme raced to gold in a new Commonwealth Games record of 9.83 seconds, while Australia's Lachlan Kennedy secured silver in 9.85 seconds.

Nigeria's hopes of placing more athletes in the final were dashed as Favour Ashe finished fifth in his semifinal in 10.07 seconds, while Nicholas Fakorede narrowly missed qualification after placing fourth in his semifinal with a time of 10.06 seconds.

In the field events, Temitope Adeshina added to Nigeria's medal haul by claiming bronze in the women's high jump after clearing 1.90 metres.

The performance marked a significant improvement for Adeshina, who finished 10th on her Commonwealth Games debut four years ago. Australia's Eleanor Patterson won gold ahead of compatriot Nicola Olyslagers, who took silver.

Nigeria's women's 100m campaign was hampered by misfortune as Blessing Ogundiran was unable to start her semifinal after falling ill.

Rosemary Chukwuma also suffered an apparent injury during her semifinal race but showed remarkable determination by limping across the finish line, while 17-year-old debutant Miracle Ezechukwu impressed despite the rainy conditions, finishing fourth in her semifinal in 11.23 seconds.

Away from the track, there was encouraging news in the swimming competition as Abduljabar Adama qualified for the men's 50m butterfly final to keep Nigeria's medal hopes alive in the pool.

However, Nigeria's boxing campaign suffered a setback as Patricia Mbata bowed out of the women's 75kg event after a spirited performance against England's Mary Kate Smith.

Mbata pushed her opponent all the way before losing a narrow 3-2 split decision in the quarterfinals, ending her quest for a medal.

Despite the challenges encountered across multiple events, Nigeria's athletes displayed determination and resilience to secure valuable medals and remain in contention for more success as the Commonwealth Games continue in Glasgow.

Nigeria's Athletics Team Overcomes Setbacks to Win Two Medals in Glasgow

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