By Faith Anisiobi, The Sight News
Nigeria’s medal quest at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow gathered momentum on Thursday as world record holder Tobi Amusan delivered a record-breaking performance, while Samuel Ogazi, Edidiong Udo and Ella Onojuvwevwo secured places in the 400 metres finals to cap a productive morning session for Team Nigeria.
Amusan underlined her status as the overwhelming favourite for the women’s 100m hurdles title after cruising to victory in her heat in 12.19 seconds, the fastest time ever recorded at the Commonwealth Games. Despite a +3.8 wind reading, the Nigerian eased comfortably ahead of South Africa’s Marione Fourie, who finished in 12.50 seconds, and Jamaica’s Kerrica Hill, who clocked 12.69 seconds.
The reigning champion will now be aiming for a historic third consecutive Commonwealth Games gold medal later in the day.
Nigeria also celebrated a double qualification for the men’s 400 metres final. Ogazi dominated the opening semifinal, crossing the line first in 44.52 seconds ahead of Botswana’s Lee Eppie (45.26s) and Jamaica’s Zandrion Barnes (45.38s).
Edidiong Udo also advanced after producing a composed performance from lane eight. He finished in 45.53 seconds and was elevated from third to second after Jamaica’s Antonio Watson was disqualified.
In the women’s 400 metres, Ella Onojuvwevwo maintained Nigeria’s impressive run by winning her semifinal in 51.47 seconds to book her place in the final. Charlotte Henrich of Wales finished second in 52.13 seconds, while Jamara Patterson placed third in 52.92 seconds.
However, Patience Okon-George and Esther Elo Joseph narrowly missed out on qualification after finishing fifth and sixth respectively in the opening semifinal.
In the men’s decathlon, Jami Schlueter remained firmly in contention for a podium finish after three events. He sits fourth overall with 2,592 points, just 13 points behind the bronze medal position, following performances of 10.70 seconds in the 100 metres, 7.16 metres in the long jump and 15.35 metres in the shot put.
Nigeria also secured another field event finalist after Chinecherem Prosper Nnamdi qualified for the men’s javelin throw final. Battling challenging headwinds, Nnamdi produced a best throw of 75.27 metres on his final attempt to claim the 12th and final qualifying spot.
Attention now shifts to the evening session, where Team Nigeria will continue its pursuit of medals across several events.
Udodi Onwuzurike will compete in the men’s 200 metres final, while Olayinka Olajide and Jennifer Obi Chukwuka will battle for places in the women’s 200m final.
Defending Commonwealth champion Chukwuebuka Enekwechi will also be in action in the men’s shot put final as he seeks to retain his title, while para-athlete Unyima Uwak will contest the women’s T47 100 metres final in search of a podium finish.
With Nigeria already enjoying a successful campaign in Glasgow, expectations remain high for another medal-winning outing as the country’s athletes continue to impress on the international stage.
