Team Nigeria made a strong start to Day Five of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with athletes progressing to the semifinals in athletics and swimming events.
Nigeria’s athletes recorded key qualifying performances on Tuesday as the country continued its medal campaign at the Games.
Udo, Ogazi lead men’s 400m charge
Edidiong Udo produced an impressive performance in the men’s 400 metres, winning Heat One in 45.73 seconds to qualify for the semifinals.
The race marked Udo’s first international 400m appearance for Nigeria, and his victory secured another semifinal place alongside Samuel Ogazi.
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Nigeria will now have two representatives competing in the men’s 400m semifinals.
Joseph, Okon-George progress in women’s 400m
In the women’s 400m, Esther Elo Joseph earned automatic qualification for her first Commonwealth Games semifinal after finishing third in her heat with a time of 52.82 seconds.
Experienced runner Patience Okon-George also advanced after placing fourth in her heat in 53.27 seconds.
Together with Ella Onojuvwevwo, Nigeria will have three athletes in the women’s 400m semifinals.
Nigeria secure swimming semifinal spots
Team Nigeria also made progress in the swimming events, with Abduljabar Adama and Colins Ebingha reaching the men’s 50m butterfly semifinals.
Adama finished fourth in his heat with a time of 23.99 seconds, while Ebingha placed fifth after clocking 24.01 seconds.
The pair will compete in the semifinal later on Tuesday.
Sprinters, Olatoye and Mbata set for action
Nigeria’s attention will now shift to the evening session, where several athletes will continue their medal pursuit.
National record holder Kayinsola Ajayi, Favour Ashe and Nicholas Fakorede will compete in the men’s 100m semifinals, while Rosemary Chukwuma, Miracle Ezechukwu and Blessing Ogundiran will feature in the women’s semifinals.
A place in the final will be secured by athletes who finish strongly in their respective semifinal races.
Elsewhere, Oyesade Olatoye will compete in the women’s hammer throw final, while Patricia Mbata will face her women’s 75kg boxing quarterfinal.
Nigeria’s wheelchair women’s 3×3 basketball team will also take on Australia as the country continues its campaign in Glasgow.
Team Nigeria have already won six gold medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with more medal opportunities available across several events.
