Nigeria’s medal tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games received a major boost on Saturday as Samuel Ogazi stormed to the country’s first-ever gold medal in the men’s 400 metres, while Ella Onojuvwevwo claimed bronze in the women’s event.
The 20-year-old Ogazi produced a commanding performance at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, crossing the finish line in 44.25 seconds to make history for Nigeria.
His winning time was just 0.01 seconds shy of the Commonwealth Games record of 44.24 seconds, set by Grenada’s Kirani James in 2014.
Before Ogazi’s triumph, the closest Nigeria had come to winning gold in the men’s 400m was at the 1994 Commonwealth Games, where the late Sunday Bada secured a bronze medal.
Arriving in Glasgow as the world’s fastest man over 400m in 2026, Ogazi lived up to expectations. Running from lane five, he stayed level with Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereme Richards over the opening 200m before unleashing a powerful finishing burst in the final 150m to seal a memorable victory.
Richards settled for silver, while South Africa’s Zakhiti Nene claimed bronze.
“It feels good,” an elated Ogazi said after the race.
“I’ve always told myself, ‘Samuel, you have to put Nigeria on the map.’ I feel like I am ready for anything right now. I am ready for anybody.”
Moments later, Ella Onojuvwevwo added another medal for Team Nigeria by finishing third in the women’s 400m final.
She clocked 51.00 seconds to win bronze behind Jamaica’s Dejaene Oakley, who took gold, and Barbados’ Sada Williams, who claimed silver.
The podium finish made Onojuvwevwo the first Nigerian woman in nearly three decades to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the 400m event.
She credited the unwavering support from home for inspiring her performance.
“I am really happy. I got a lot of support from back home—from my parents, my coach, my teammates and everybody in Nigeria. They believed in me, and I thank them for everything,” she said.
