By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Team Nigeria recorded an encouraging start to Day Five of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with strong performances in athletics and swimming as several athletes progressed to the semi-finals, raising hopes of more medals for the country.
Making his international 400 metres debut for Nigeria, Edidiong Udo impressed by winning Heat One of the men’s event in 45.73 seconds to qualify for the semi-finals. Udo finished almost a second ahead of the rest of the field and will join Samuel Ogazi in the next round, giving Nigeria two contenders in the men’s 400m semi-finals.
In the women’s 400 metres, Esther Elo Joseph secured automatic qualification for her maiden Commonwealth Games semi-finals after placing third in her heat in 52.82 seconds. Veteran Patience Okon-George also advanced after finishing fourth in her heat with a time of 53.27 seconds. Alongside Ella Onojuvwevwo, Nigeria will have three athletes competing in the women’s 400m semi-finals.
The country’s swimmers also delivered encouraging performances as Abduljabar Adama and Collins Ebingha booked places in the men’s 50m butterfly semi-finals. Adama finished fourth in his heat in 23.99 seconds, while Ebingha placed fifth in 24.01 seconds to ensure Nigeria will be represented by two swimmers in the event’s semi-finals.
Attention now shifts to the evening session, where Nigeria’s sprint stars will continue their quest for medals. National record holder Kayinsola Ajayi, Favour Ashe and Nicholas Fakorede are set to compete in the men’s 100 metres semifinals, while Rosemary Chukwuma, Miracle Ezechukwu and Blessing Ogundiran will feature in the women’s semi-finals. Victories in their respective races will guarantee places in the finals later on Tuesday.
Nigeria will also be targeting podium finishes in other events, with Oyesade Olatoye competing in the women’s hammer throw final and Patricia Mbata taking to the ring in the women’s 75kg boxing quarterfinal.
In wheelchair women’s 3×3 basketball, Team Nigeria will face Australia as the country’s athletes continue their pursuit of medals at the Games.
With six gold medals already secured, Team Nigeria remains on course for another successful day in Glasgow as athletes continue to challenge for honours across multiple events.
