Ruth Usoro Replaces Injured Ese Brume in Nigeria's Commonwealth Games Squad

Posted : 16 July 2026

star Ese Brume was ruled out of the competition because of injury.

Brume was expected to lead Nigeria's medal challenge in the women's long jump and defend the Commonwealth title she won at the previous Games. Medical assessments confirmed that the experienced athlete is not fit enough to compete, forcing her withdrawal from the squad.

The 29-year-old produced one of the finest performances of her career at the last Commonwealth Games, winning the women's long jump gold medal with a Games record leap of 7.00 metres. Her success further strengthened her reputation as one of Africa's most accomplished field athletes and one of Nigeria's most reliable performers on the international stage.

Following Brume's withdrawal, Ruth Usoro has been drafted into Team Nigeria's athletics squad. She will compete alongside Prestina Ochonogor in the women's long jump event as Nigeria looks to maintain its strong record in the discipline.

Usoro arrives with valuable international experience after representing Nigeria at major championships. She has consistently delivered impressive performances in both the long jump and triple jump and is expected to provide solid competition in Glasgow.

Ochonogor also heads into the Games with growing confidence after emerging as one of Nigeria's brightest young talents. The teenager has attracted attention with her rapid development and strong performances on the international circuit, giving Team Nigeria another genuine medal contender.

Brume's absence is undoubtedly a major loss for the Nigerian contingent. Beyond her achievements, she has been one of the team's most experienced athletes and a source of inspiration for younger competitors. Her consistency at global events, including the Olympic Games, World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and African Championships, has made her one of Nigeria's greatest track and field athletes.

Despite the setback, Nigerian officials remain optimistic that the combination of Usoro's experience and Ochonogor's youthful promise can keep the country competitive in the women's long jump. Both athletes will now carry the responsibility of challenging for a podium finish and continuing Nigeria's proud tradition in the event.

Team Nigeria will hope the revised squad can still deliver strong performances when the 2026 Commonwealth Games begin in Glasgow, with athletics expected to remain one of the nation's strongest medal prospects.

Ruth Usoro Replaces Injured Ese Brume in Nigeria's Commonwealth Games Squad

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