Nigeria’s hopes of a medal in the men’s 100 metres at the 2026 Commonwealth Games received a major boost on Monday as Favour Ashe and Nicholas Fakorede Adekalu secured qualification for the semifinals, joining compatriot Kanyinsola Ajayi in the last 24.
Ashe produced a composed performance in his opening-round heat to book his place in Tuesday’s semifinals, while Fakorede impressed with a strong finish in Heat 10.
Fakorede crossed the line in 10.21 seconds with a +1.4 m/s tailwind, finishing second behind Lesotho’s Mojela Koneshe, who stormed to victory in 10.07 seconds, setting a new national record in the process.
By finishing second, Fakorede earned an automatic qualification to the semifinals, becoming the third Nigerian sprinter through to the next round.
Earlier, Kanyinsola Ajayi had already progressed directly to the semifinals by virtue of his world ranking and recent performances, while Ashe also safely negotiated his opening race.
The trio will now represent Nigeria in Tuesday’s semifinals as they aim to secure places in the medal race.
Nigeria has traditionally been one of Africa’s strongest sprinting nations, and expectations remain high that at least one of the three athletes can challenge for a place on the podium in Glasgow.
Nigeria’s Men’s 100m Semifinalists
Kanyinsola Ajayi
Favour Ashe
Nicholas Fakorede Adekalu
The athletics programme at the 2026 Commonwealth Games began on Monday, with Team Nigeria looking to build on its encouraging medal haul from the opening days of competition.
The country’s sprint contingent will now turn its attention to Tuesday’s semifinals as they continue the quest for Commonwealth medals.
