Nigeria ends the Games with 23 medals, including 10 gold, as athletes deliver historic performances across athletics, judo, weightlifting and para sports.
Team Nigeria concluded its campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in sixth position on the overall medals table, securing 23 medals but falling short of the ambitious target set ahead of the competition.
Nigeria finished the Games with 10 gold medals, seven silver medals and six bronze medals, a performance that delivered several historic achievements but did not match the expectations of the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Ahead of the event, NSC Director General Bukola Olopade had expressed confidence that Nigeria could surpass its medal projections through the Elite Athletes Podium Finish initiative, with expectations that the country could win up to 22 gold medals.
The target was based on recent improvements in athlete development, sports reforms under NSC leadership and increased support from the Federal Government.
Nigeria Improves Across Multiple Sports Despite Missing Target
Although the final medal tally was below expectations, Team Nigeria recorded achievements across a wider range of sports compared to previous Commonwealth Games campaigns.
The country collected medals in athletics, judo, weightlifting, swimming, para athletics and para powerlifting, showing progress beyond its traditional strength in track and field.
Nigeria’s previous Commonwealth Games outing in Birmingham 2022 remains its strongest performance, where the country won 35 medals — including 12 gold, nine silver and 14 bronze medals — to finish seventh overall.
Historic Athletics Achievements Lead Nigeria’s Campaign
The athletics team produced some of Nigeria’s biggest moments in Glasgow.
Samuel Ogazi created history by winning Nigeria’s first-ever Commonwealth Games men’s 400m gold medal, completing the race in 44.25 seconds.
Ezekiel Nathaniel also delivered a gold medal performance in the men’s 400m hurdles after clocking 48.47 seconds, while Chukwuebuka Enekwechi became the first Nigerian athlete to win the Commonwealth Games men’s shot put title after recording a throw of 21.07 metres.
Other notable athletics performances included:
- Ella Onojuvwevwo winning bronze in the women’s 400m
- Ruth Usoro claiming silver in the women’s long jump
- Udodi Onwuzurike securing silver in the men’s 200m
- Kayinsola Ajayi winning bronze in the men’s 100m
Nigeria’s men’s 4x100m relay team and mixed 4x400m relay team also finished with bronze medals, while the women’s 4x100m relay team placed sixth.
Judo Returns Nigeria to Commonwealth Podium
Outside athletics, Enku Ekuta achieved a significant milestone by winning bronze in the women’s -63kg judo category.
Her medal ended Nigeria’s 24-year wait for a Commonwealth Games judo medal and represented one of the standout achievements of the country’s Glasgow campaign.
NSC Increased Athlete Rewards During Games
The National Sports Commission introduced improved financial incentives during the competition in an effort to motivate athletes.
Gold medal winners received a reward package worth $10,000, consisting of immediate cash payment and additional funds transferred into their accounts.
Silver medal winners received $5,000, while bronze medal winners earned $3,000.
Coaches of gold medal-winning athletes were also rewarded, alongside daily allowances provided for athletes and coaching staff.
Looking Ahead After Glasgow 2026
While Team Nigeria celebrated several historic performances at the Commonwealth Games, the final standings have raised discussions about preparation, investment and long-term planning for future international competitions.
With emerging stars such as Samuel Ogazi, Ezekiel Nathaniel and other young talents making their mark, Nigerian sports officials will now look ahead to building on the Glasgow experience and improving results at future global events.