Glasgow 2026 Day 5: Ajayi, Adeshina Win Bronze as Nigeria Stay Fifth on Commonwealth Games Medal Table
Nigeria maintained its impressive outing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow after adding two bronze medals in athletics on Day Five, taking the country’s total medal haul to 12 and retaining fifth place on the overall standings as Africa’s highest-ranked nation.
The day’s highlights came at Scotstoun Stadium, where Team Nigeria officially opened its athletics campaign with podium finishes from sprinter Kanyinsola Ajayi and high jumper Temitope Adeshina.
Ajayi produced a brilliant run in the men’s 100m final, clocking 9.90 seconds to claim the bronze medal.
The performance saw the Nigerian become the country’s first male athlete to win a Commonwealth Games 100m medal since Olusoji Fasuba claimed silver at the 2006 Melbourne Games.
Fellow Nigerians Favour Ashe and Nicholas Fakorede had earlier exited in the semifinal stage.
In the women’s high jump, Adeshina cleared 1.90m to secure Nigeria’s second bronze medal of the day.
The event was won by Australia’s Eleanor Patterson, while compatriot Nicola Olyslagers finished second.
Nigeria also enjoyed encouraging performances in the opening rounds of the 400m events.
International debutant Edidiong Udo impressed by winning his men’s heat in 45.73 seconds to qualify for the semifinals. Emmanuel Bamidele and Dubem Nwachukwu also advanced.
In the women’s event, experienced Patience Okon-George and Esther Elo Joseph secured automatic qualification for the semifinals, while Ella Onojuvwevwo progressed after receiving a first-round bye.
Elsewhere, former African champion Oyesade Olatoye narrowly missed out on a medal in the women’s hammer throw after finishing outside the podium places despite a spirited display.
In boxing, Patricia Mbata bowed out in the women’s 75kg quarter-finals after a determined performance, ending her medal hopes.
Attention now shifts to Nigeria’s remaining boxer, Blessing Oraekwe, who will fight for a place in the semifinals.
The Nigerian women’s wheelchair 3×3 basketball team also continued its campaign with another challenging group-stage outing against Australia.
After five days of competition, Team Nigeria has won 12 medals, six gold, four silver and two bronze, to remain fifth on the Commonwealth Games medal table behind Australia, Canada, England and Scotland, while continuing to lead all African nations in the standings.
