Tayo Ogunseye
Team Nigeria strengthened its quest for more medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after an outstanding morning session on Day Seven, highlighted by a record-breaking performance from world record holder Tobi Amusan and a string of qualifications for athletics finals.
Amusan underlined her status as the overwhelming favourite for another Commonwealth title by storming to victory in her women’s 100 metres hurdles heat in a wind-assisted 12.19 seconds, the fastest time ever recorded at the Commonwealth Games. The reigning champion cruised home ahead of South Africa’s Marione Fourie, who clocked 12.50 seconds, and Jamaica’s Kerrica Hill in 12.69 seconds to book her place in the final, where she will be chasing a historic third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal.
Nigeria also celebrated a remarkable achievement in the men’s 400 metres as Samuel Ogazi and Edidiong Udo both qualified for the final.
Ogazi dominated the opening semifinal, crossing the finish line in an impressive 44.52 seconds to finish ahead of Botswana’s Lee Eppie (45.26s) and Jamaica’s Zandriom Barnes (45.38s).
Udo also secured his place in the medal race after producing a composed performance from lane eight. Although he initially finished third, the Nigerian was elevated to second following the disqualification of Jamaica’s Antonio Watson, earning automatic qualification with a time of 45.53 seconds.
In the women’s 400 metres, Ella Onojuvwevwo continued her impressive campaign by winning her semifinal in 51.47 seconds. The Nigerian finished comfortably ahead of Wales’ Charlotte Henrich (52.13s) and Jamara Patterson (52.92s) to qualify for the final.
Earlier in the event, Patience Okon-George and Esther Elo Joseph narrowly missed out on qualification after placing fifth and sixth respectively in the opening semifinal.
Nigeria’s medal hopes also received a boost in the men’s decathlon, where Jami Schlueter remained firmly in contention after the opening three events. Schlueter sits fourth overall with 2,592 points, just 13 points adrift of the bronze medal position after recording 10.70 seconds in the 100 metres, 7.16 metres in the long jump and 15.35 metres in the shot put.
In the field events, Chinecherem Prosper Nnamdi battled difficult headwinds to qualify for the men’s javelin throw final. His best effort of 75.27 metres on his final attempt secured the 12th and final qualifying place.
Team Nigeria will now turn its attention to an action-packed evening session, with several medal opportunities on offer.
Udodi Onwuzurike will compete in the men’s 200 metres final, while Olayinka Olajide and Jennifer Obi Chukwuka will battle for places in the women’s 200 metres final.
Defending Commonwealth Games shot put champion Chukwuebuka Enekwechi will also be in action as he seeks to retain his title, while para-athlete Unyima Uwak will compete in the women’s T47 100 metres final in pursuit of a podium finish.
With multiple finalists already confirmed and several medal contenders still in action, Team Nigeria remains firmly on course for another rewarding day at Glasgow 2026 as the country’s athletes continue their impressive campaign.
