Team Nigeria finished sixth on the medals table at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, falling short of the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) ambitious pre-Games target after winning 23 medals comprising 10 gold, seven silver and six bronze.
The result fell below expectations after NSC Director General Bukola Olopade projected that Nigeria could win as many as 22 gold medals, exceeding the Elite Athletes Podium Finish initiative’s target of 18 golds. The optimism was based on reforms introduced under NSC chairman Shehu Dikko and support from President Bola Tinubu.
Nigeria also failed to match its performance at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, where the country secured 35 medals — 12 gold, nine silver and 14 bronze — to finish seventh overall.
Despite the lower medal tally, Team Nigeria produced several notable performances across athletics, judo, weightlifting, para athletics, para powerlifting and swimming.
Samuel Ogazi won Nigeria’s first Commonwealth Games gold medal in the men’s 400m, clocking 44.25 seconds, while Ezekiel Nathaniel claimed gold in the men’s 400m hurdles with a time of 48.47 seconds. Chukwuebuka Enekwechi also made history by becoming the first Nigerian to win the men’s shot put title at the Games with a throw of 21.07m.
Ella Onojuvwevwo secured bronze in the women’s 400m, ending Nigeria’s 32-year wait for a medal in the event, while Ruth Usoro won silver in the women’s long jump and Udodi Onwuzurike claimed silver in the men’s 200m. Kayinsola Ajayi earned bronze in the men’s 100m, ending a 20-year medal drought for Nigeria in the event.
The men’s 4x100m relay team and the mixed 4x400m relay quartet both added bronze medals, while the women’s 4x100m relay team finished sixth.
In judo, Enku Ekuta claimed bronze in the women’s -63kg category to end Nigeria’s 24-year wait for a Commonwealth Games medal in the sport.
To boost morale during the Games, the NSC introduced enhanced financial incentives. Gold medallists received 10,000 dollars, comprising 5,000 dollars in instant cash and 5,000 dollars paid into their accounts. Silver medallists earned 5,000 dollars, while bronze medallists received 3,000 dollars. Coaches of gold medallists were also awarded 5,000 dollars, in addition to daily allowances of 250 dollars, while athletes received daily allowances of 200 dollars.
Despite the improved incentives and several historic achievements, Nigeria’s return of 10 gold medals and 23 overall medals fell short of the Commission’s expectations, leaving officials with questions to address as preparations begin for future major international competitions.
