NIGERIA LEADS AFRICA AT GLASGOW COMMONWEALTH GAMES

By: Gyang Dakwo

Team Nigeria has continued to build on its impressive campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, securing additional medals in athletics and weightlifting, complementing the strong foundation established by the para powerlifting team.

As of 31 July, Nigeria sits fifth on the medals table with a total of 16 medals—eight gold, five silver, and three bronze—making it the highest-ranked African nation at the Games.

Athletics has delivered some of Nigeria’s most notable performances in recent days with Chukwuebuka Enekwechi making history as the first Nigerian to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal in the men’s shot put. The African record holder registered a season-best throw of 21.07 to win Nigeria’s eighth gold medal of the competition.

Following his achievement, Enekwechi highlighted the Federal Government’s immediate cash reward for medallists as a significant motivational factor for Team Nigeria. “The best motivator is, obviously, money. It does not matter if it is your first time or your fifth time in the competition; money is a motivator,” he said after his historic win.

Nigeria’s success continued in the field events as Jessica Oji earned a silver medal on her international debut in the women’s shot put. The 19-year-old achieved a best throw of 17.87m to secure second place, marking a promising start to her international career.

The medal momentum was further sustained by Goodness Nwachukwu, who claimed gold in the women’s F42-44/61-64 para discus with a world record throw of 39.66m.

World record holder Tobi Amusan also contributed to Nigeria’s podium finishes, winning bronze in the women’s 100m hurdles, extending the country’s success beyond field events.

In weightlifting, Nigeria continued to meet expectations as Rafiatu Lawal successfully defended her Commonwealth title in the women’s 59kg category to win gold, while Edidiong Umoafia secured gold in the men’s 67kg division. Onome Didih added another gold in the women’s 55kg category, and Ruth Nyong earned silver in the women’s 48kg event, reinforcing Nigeria’s standing as a dominant force in the sport.

These achievements have built upon the earlier success of the para powerlifting team, whose medal contributions provided Nigeria with a strong start in Glasgow. With medals now coming from para powerlifting, weightlifting, and athletics, Team Nigeria has demonstrated consistent excellence across multiple disciplines and remains firmly among the leading nations at the Games.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, stated that the performances reflect the extensive preparation undertaken by athletes and officials ahead of the competition. He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to sustaining support for the team to ensure a strong finish. “We will continue motivating the athletes and providing every necessary support to maximise their performance at the Games,” Dikko said.

With several events still to be concluded, Nigeria hopes to build on the already recorded milestones in Glasgow.