Nigeria Emerges Top African Nation, Finishes Seventh At 2026 Commonwealth Games

photo credit: channels TV

Nigeria finished seventh overall at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, ending the competition as Africa’s highest-ranked nation with 24 medals.

Team Nigeria secured a total of 24 medals, comprising 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze, across athletics, para-powerlifting, weightlifting and judo.

Athletics produced most of the country’s medals, with Samuel Ogazi, Ezekiel Nathaniel and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi making history by winning Nigeria’s first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medals in the men’s 400m, men’s 400m hurdles and men’s shot put respectively. Goodness Nwanchukwu also successfully defended her women’s discus throw F42-44/F61-64 title.

Nigeria’s silver medallists included Udodi Onwuzurike in the men’s 200m, Ruth Usoro in the women’s long jump and Jessica Oji in the women’s shot put.

Bronze medals were won by Tobi Amusan (women’s 100m hurdles), Kayinsola Ajayi (men’s 100m), Temitope Adeshina (women’s high jump), Ella Onojuvwevwo (women’s 400m), the mixed 4x400m relay team and the men’s 4x100m relay team, whose silver medal was later downgraded to bronze after a review.

Australia topped the overall medals table with 171 medals, including 70 gold, finishing ahead of England, Canada, India, Scotland and New Zealand.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games featured about 3,000 athletes competing in 215 medal events after Glasgow stepped in to host the competition following Victoria’s withdrawal in 2023.