Team Nigeria continued its impressive run at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Day 8, adding more medals to strengthen its position as Africa's highest-ranked nation while producing another memorable moment on the track with a brand-new Games record.
The biggest statement came from the mixed 4x400m relay team. Edidiong Udo, Esther Joseph, Samuel Ogazi and Patience Okon-George stormed to victory in their heat in 3:14.58, setting the first-ever Commonwealth Games record in the event.
Nigeria finished comfortably ahead of Australia, which crossed in 3:15.21, to qualify for the final as the team to beat.
Ruth Usoro also qualified for the final of the women's Long Jump, leaping the farthest she has jumped this year to hit a mark of 6.77m to secure her spot in the final.
The performance immediately sparked excitement among Nigerian athletics fans on social media, with many tipping the quartet for another gold medal after their dominant display.
Medal Momentum Continues
Day 8 continued a remarkable Games for Team Nigeria, whose athletes have consistently delivered medals across athletics, para powerlifting and weightlifting.
Ezekiel Nathaniel secured the gold in the men’s 400m Hurdles, clocking 48.47s to secure Nigeria’s 9th Gold medal of the Games.
This win made him the first Nigerian man to win Commonwealth Games GOLD in the event, and the first Nigerian in 16 years to win a medal in the 400m Hurdles since Ajoke Odumosu won it at the New Delhi Commonwealth Games in 2010.
Udodi Onwuzurike also powered to a Season's Best of 20.09s (+1.7) to win Silver in the men's 200m final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
He finished behind South Africa's Sinesipho Dambile who took the GOLD in 19.96s.
The latest successes ensured Nigeria remained Africa's top-performing nation on the medals table while closing the gap on several traditional Commonwealth sporting powers.
The growing medal haul has also strengthened belief within the National Sports Commission that the athletics team can exceed its ambitious medal target before the Games conclude.
Attention Turns to Day 9
There will be little time to celebrate as Team Nigeria returns to action on Day 9 with medal opportunities across athletics, boxing and other events.
The mixed 4x400m relay team will chase gold after entering the final with the fastest qualifying time and a Games record already to its name.
Nigerian fans will also be watching Samuel Ogazi, Esther Joseph and several other track stars expected to feature in crucial races.
The boxing team remains in contention for more podium finishes, while the athletics squad will continue its push for medals in both track and field events as Glasgow 2026 enters its decisive stages.
Shot Put Gold medalist Chukwuebuka Enekwechi praised the team at the end of yesterday's outing, stating that they were the extra motivation he needed to clinch the gold medal in his event for Nigeria.
"This (current) Nigerian team is the best one I've been a part of since I started representing the country.
"There's a lot of young blood, guys like: Ogazi, Ajayi.
"These guys bring a youthful exuberance, which motivates me, so being their captain, I knew I couldn't fold," Enekwechi said.
His leadership and the exceptional displays from veterans and debutants alike have kept the Nigerian camp high in spirits, cementing camaraderie across various sporting disciplines in Glasgow.
With confidence high, experienced leaders inspiring the younger athletes and records already tumbling, Team Nigeria will believe another successful day is within reach as it looks to strengthen its place as Africa's leading team at the Commonwealth Games.
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