Amusan Advances; Ogazi, Udo Reach 400m Finals as Nigeria Eyes More Commonwealth Games 2026 Medals

Team Nigeria enjoyed another productive morning session on Thursday at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, with reigning champion Tobi Amusan producing a sensational run, Samuel Ogazi and Edisiong Udo qualifying for the 400m final, Ella Onojuvwevwo booking her place in the women’s final, and several other athletes keeping the country’s medal hopes alive.
World record holder Tobi Amusan sent a strong statement to her rivals after storming to victory in her women’s 100m hurdles heat in 12.19 seconds (+3.8), the fastest time ever recorded at the Commonwealth Games.
Amusan eased comfortably into the final ahead of South Africa’s Marione Fourie (12.50s) and Jamaica’s Kerrica Hill (12.69s). The Nigerian will be aiming to win an unprecedented third consecutive Commonwealth Games title later today.
Nigeria also celebrated a double qualification for the men’s 400 metres final. Samuel Ogazi dominated the opening semifinal, powering to victory in 44.52 seconds ahead of Botswana’s Lee Eppie (45.26s) and Jamaica’s Zandriom Barnes (45.38s).
Edidiong Udo joined him in the final after another composed performance from lane eight, clocking 45.53 seconds. Initially third across the line, Udo was promoted to second following the disqualification of Jamaica’s Antonio Watson.
In the women’s 400 metres, Ella Onojuvwevwo delivered another commanding display, pulling clear over the closing metres to win her semifinal in 51.47 seconds and qualify for the final. Charlotte Henrich of Wales finished second in 52.13 seconds, while Jamara Patterson was third in 52.92 seconds.
Earlier, Patience Okon-George and Esther Elo Joseph finished fifth and sixth respectively in the opening semifinal, narrowly missing out on places in the final.
In the men’s decathlon, Jami Schlueter remained firmly in medal contention after three events, sitting fourth overall with 2,592 points, just 13 points behind the bronze medal position. His opening performances included 10.70 seconds in the 100 metres, 7.16m in the long jump and 15.35m in the shot put.
Nigeria also secured another finalist in the field events as Chinecherem Prosper Nnamdi qualified for the men’s javelin throw final. Battling difficult headwinds, Nnamdi produced his best throw of 75.27m on his final attempt to claim the 12th and final qualifying spot.
Attention now shifts to an action-packed evening session. Udodi Onwuzurike will contest the men’s 200 metres final, while Olayinka Olajide and Jennifer Obi Chukwuka will seek places in the women’s 200m final.
Defending Commonwealth champion Chukwuebuka Enekwechi will compete in the men’s shot put final in pursuit of another gold medal, while para-athlete Unyima Uwak will line up in the women’s T47 100m final with hopes of reaching the podium.
With Team Nigeria already enjoying a successful campaign in Glasgow, the stage is set for another potentially rewarding day as the country’s athletes continue their pursuit of medals across athletics and para sport.