Nigeria’s Samuel Ogazi celebrates winning the men’s 400m final during the athletics event at the Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, on day nine of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, on August 1, 2026. (Photo by ANDY BUCHANAN / AFP)
Nigeria’s medal tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games received another boost on Saturday as Samuel Ogazi clinched a historic gold medal in the men’s 400 metres, while Ella Onojuvwevwo secured bronze in the women’s event.
Competing at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, the 20-year-old Ogazi produced a stunning performance, crossing the finish line in 44.25 seconds to become the first Nigerian to win the men’s 400m title at the Commonwealth Games.
His winning time was just one-hundredth of a second shy of the Games record of 44.24 seconds, set by Grenada’s Kirani James in 2014.
Before Ogazi’s triumph, Nigeria’s best result in the men’s 400m at the Commonwealth Games was the bronze medal won by Sunday Bada in 1994.
Arriving in Glasgow as the world’s fastest man in 2026, Ogazi lived up to expectations. Drawn in lane five, he stayed level with Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereme Richards through the opening half of the race before unleashing a powerful finish over the final 150 metres to secure a commanding victory.
Richards claimed the silver medal, while South Africa’s Zakhiti Nene finished third to take bronze.
Reacting after his victory, an elated Ogazi said the achievement fulfilled a long-held ambition.
“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,” he added.
Moments later, Ella Onojuvwevwo further boosted Nigeria’s medal haul by claiming bronze in the women’s 400m final.
She clocked 51.00 seconds to finish behind Jamaica’s Dejaene Oakley, who won gold, and Barbados’ Sada Williams, who settled for silver.
With her podium finish, Onojuvwevwo became the first Nigerian in nearly 30 years to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the women’s 400 metres.
Expressing her delight after the race, she credited the unwavering support of her family, coaches, teammates and Nigerians for inspiring her performance.
“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.
