Samuel Ogazi becomes Nigeria’s first-ever Commonwealth champion in the men’s 400m, while Ella Onojuvwevwo ends a 30-year medal drought in the women’s event.
Nigeria’s medal tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games received another major boost after Samuel Ogazi stormed to a historic gold medal in the men’s 400 metres, while Ella Onojuvwevwo claimed bronze in the women’s final.
Competing at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow on Saturday, the 20-year-old Ogazi clocked 44.25 seconds to become the first Nigerian to win the Commonwealth Games men’s 400m title.
His winning time was just 0.01 seconds shy of the Games record of 44.24 seconds set by Grenada’s Kirani James in 2014.
Ogazi entered the final as the world’s fastest 400m runner in 2026 and overcame a strong challenge from Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereme Richards before pulling clear in the closing stages to secure victory. Richards won silver, while South Africa’s Zakhiti Nene took bronze.
“It feels good. 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,” Ogazi said after the race.
Earlier, Sunday Bada’s bronze medal at the 1994 Commonwealth Games had stood as Nigeria’s best performance in the men’s 400m event.
Nigeria’s celebrations continued when Ella Onojuvwevwo finished third in the women’s 400m final in 51.00 seconds to win bronze. Jamaica’s Dejaene Oakley claimed gold, while Barbados’ Sada Williams secured silver.
Onojuvwevwo’s achievement makes her the first Nigerian woman to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the 400m event in nearly three decades.
She credited the support she received from family, coaches and Nigerians for inspiring her podium finish.
“I am really happy. I got a lot of support from back home, from my parents, from my coach, from my teammates, and from everybody in Nigeria. They believe in me, and thanks to them for everything,” she said.
The latest medals further strengthened Nigeria’s impressive athletics campaign in Glasgow, with the country’s athletes continuing to deliver record-breaking performances and podium finishes at the Games.