Nigeria Finishes Sixth At Glasgow 2026 With 23 Medals
By AUGUSTUS ISICHEI
TEAM Nigeria wrapped up its Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign in sixth place with 23 medals. The contingent won 10 gold, seven silver and six bronze medals. The result placed Nigeria among the top-performing nations but below the targets set before the Games.
Officials had expressed confidence that Nigeria would surpass its previous Commonwealth Games performance. The National Sports Commission projected a haul of up to 22 gold medals after increased investment in elite sports and reforms in athlete development. The team eventually finished with 10 gold medals, two fewer than the 12 won in Birmingham in 2022. Nigeria’s total medal count also dropped from 35 to 23.
Despite falling short of expectations, Team Nigeria delivered several memorable performances. Athletics produced some of the country’s biggest successes. Samuel Ogazi became the first Nigerian to win Commonwealth Games gold in the men’s 400 metres. Ezekiel Nathaniel captured gold in the men’s 400m hurdles. Chukwuebuka Enekwechi also made history by claiming Nigeria’s first Commonwealth Games title in the men’s shot put.
The women also made their mark. Ella Onojuvwevwo won bronze in the women’s 400 metres, ending a medal drought that stretched back to 1994. Ruth Usoro secured silver in the women’s long jump. Udodi Onwuzurike claimed silver in the men’s 200 metres, while Kayinsola Ajayi earned bronze in the men’s 100 metres to end Nigeria’s 20-year wait for a medal in the event.
Nigeria added relay medals with bronze finishes in the men’s 4x100m and mixed 4x400m events. Beyond athletics, Enku Ekuta won bronze in judo to end Nigeria’s 24-year wait for a Commonwealth Games medal in the sport.
Midway through the Games, the National Sports Commission increased athletes’ bonuses. Gold medallists received 10,000 dollars, silver medallists earned 5,000 dollars, while bronze medallists took home 3,000 dollars. Coaches of gold medallists also received financial rewards.
Although the medal target remained out of reach, the campaign highlighted the emergence of several young stars capable of competing on the global stage. The performances also reinforced the need for stronger preparation and sustained investment as Nigeria turns its attention to future continental and international competitions.
