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Team Nigeria added two more medals on Day Five, with Kayinsola Ajayi ending a 20-year wait in the men’s 100m and Temitope Adeshina claiming a memorable high jump bronze.
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Several Nigerian athletes booked places in the semifinals across athletics and swimming, keeping hopes of more podium finishes alive in Glasgow.
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Nigeria remains the highest-ranked African nation on the Commonwealth Games medal table with
12 medals and growing momentum heading into the closing stages.
July 29, (THEWILL) — Team Nigeria continued its impressive campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with another productive day in Glasgow, combining medals, historic performances and crucial semifinal qualifications.
Day Five belonged to athletes who delivered when it mattered most. Kayinsola Ajayi made history on the track, Temitope Adeshina completed an inspiring comeback in the high jump, while several Nigerian sprinters and swimmers kept the country’s medal hopes alive by progressing to the next round of their events.
Although there were a few heartbreaking exits and near misses, Nigeria ended the day firmly among the Games’ leading nations and remained Africa’s highest-ranked country on the medal table.
Here are the five biggest moments from Team Nigeria’s Day Five in Glasgow.
1. Kayinsola Ajayi Finally Ended Nigeria’s 20-Year Wait
One of the biggest stories of the day came in the men’s 100 metres, where Kayinsola Ajayi sprinted into the history books.
The Nigerian speedster clocked 9.90 seconds to claim the bronze medal, becoming the first Nigerian man to reach the Commonwealth Games podium in the event since Olusoji Fasuba won silver in Melbourne back in 2006. Having already won his semifinal in 9.93 seconds, Ajayi produced another outstanding performance in the final to end a two-decade wait and give Nigeria another reason to celebrate.
2. Temitope Adeshina Turned Disappointment Into Glory
The Commonwealth Games can be cruel, but they can also reward perseverance.
After finishing 10th on her Games debut in Birmingham four years ago, Temitope Adeshina returned with renewed determination and produced one of the finest performances of her career. Clearing 1.90 metres, she secured the bronze medal in the women’s high jump, completing a remarkable redemption story that highlighted her steady growth on the international stage.
3. Nigeria’s 400m Women Sent a Strong Medal Warning
The women’s 400 metres also provided encouraging signs for Team Nigeria.
Veteran Patience Okon-George and Esther Elo Joseph both advanced automatically from their heats after impressive runs, joining Ella Onojuvwevwo in the semifinals. Having three Nigerians still in contention gives the country a genuine opportunity to challenge for another medal in one of athletics’ most competitive events.
Their qualification also demonstrated the impressive depth Nigeria continues to possess in the quarter-mile race.
4. Udo and the Swimmers Kept Nigeria’s Momentum Alive
There was plenty to celebrate beyond the medals.
Making his international debut, Edidiong Udo looked completely at home as he won his men’s 400m heat in 45.73 seconds, earning a place in the semifinals alongside Samuel Ogazi.
In the swimming pool, Abduljabar Adama and Colins Ebingha also progressed from the men’s 50m butterfly heats after strong performances, ensuring Nigeria remained competitive across multiple sports as the Games gathered pace.
5. Nigeria Stayed Among the Commonwealth Games Heavyweights
Not every result went Nigeria’s way on Day Five.
There were disappointing exits for several athletes, including Favour Ashe, Nicholas Fakorede, Miracle Ezechukwu and an injured Rosemary Chukwuma, while weightlifter Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele and boxer Patricia Mbata narrowly missed out on victory.
Even so, Team Nigeria closed the day fifth on the overall medal table with 12 medals six gold, four silver and two bronze. More importantly, Nigeria remained the highest-ranked African nation, trailing only Australia, Canada, England and hosts Scotland.
With more semifinal appearances and medal opportunities still ahead, the country’s challenge is far from over.
Day Five perfectly captured Team Nigeria’s campaign in Glasgow historic achievements, inspiring comebacks and growing belief that even more success lies ahead.
Kayinsola Ajayi’s long-awaited sprint medal and Temitope Adeshina’s redemption story provided the standout headlines, but the numerous semifinal qualifications across athletics and swimming may prove just as significant in the days to come.
As the Commonwealth Games move towards their conclusion, Team Nigeria continues to build momentum. If Day Five is anything to go by, the medal rush is far from over, and the country’s athletes are poised to add even more memorable moments before Glasgow 2026 comes to an end.
