By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria’s Samuel Ogazi etched his name into Commonwealth Games history on Saturday after becoming the first Nigerian man to win the 400 metres title, powering to a record-breaking victory as Team Nigeria’s medal haul rose to 20 at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Ogazi delivered a composed performance in the men’s 400m final, taking control of the race on the final bend before surging clear down the home straight to clinch Nigeria’s 10th gold medal of the Games in a new Commonwealth Games record.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards finished second to claim silver, while South Africa’s Zakithi Nene settled for bronze.
The historic victory further strengthened Nigeria’s impressive campaign in Glasgow, taking the country’s gold medal tally to 10.
Moments later, Ella Onojuvwevwo added another medal to Nigeria’s collection by claiming bronze in the women’s 400m final with a time of 51.00 seconds.
Her podium finish ended Nigeria’s 32-year wait for a Commonwealth Games medal in the women’s 400m, making her the first Nigerian woman to medal in the event since Fatima Yusuf won silver at the 1994 Games.
The bronze lifted Team Nigeria’s overall medal count to 20.
Nigeria also enjoyed a successful outing in the relay heats, securing qualification for the finals of both the men’s and women’s 4x100m events.
The women’s quartet of Miracle Ezechukwu, Jennifer Chukwuka Obi, Olayinka Olajide and Prestina Ochonogor recovered from a difficult baton exchange to finish second in their heat in 43.93 seconds, behind Jamaica, which won in 42.74 seconds.
In the men’s event, Chidera Ezeakor, Kayinsola Ajayi, Nicholas Fakorede and Favour Ashe won their heat in 38.46 seconds, finishing ahead of Canada (38.53s) and Australia (38.69s) to book a place in the final.
Team Nigeria also qualified for the mixed 4x400m relay final and will return for the evening session seeking additional medals in the men’s and women’s 4x100m finals as well as the mixed 4x400m final.
With 10 gold medals and 20 medals overall, Nigeria heads into the closing stages of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with hopes of adding more titles to an already impressive campaign.
