By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Team Nigeria opened Day Five of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on a positive note, delivering strong performances in athletics and swimming as several athletes advanced to the semifinals and the country prepared for another major push for medals.
Edidiong Udo announced himself in impressive fashion, winning Heat One of the men’s 400 metres in 45.73 seconds to qualify for the semifinals.
Competing in his first international 400m race for Nigeria, Udo finished almost a full second ahead of his closest challenger and will join Samuel Ogazi in the next round.
Nigeria also secured three places in the women’s 400m semifinals.
Esther Elo Joseph booked automatic qualification in her maiden Commonwealth Games appearance after finishing third in her heat in 52.82 seconds, while experienced campaigner Patience Okon-George progressed after placing fourth in 53.27 seconds.
The duo will line up alongside Ella Onojuvwevwo as Team Nigeria mounts a strong challenge in the women’s event.
In swimming, Abduljabar Adama and Colins Ebingha advanced to the semifinals of the men’s 50m butterfly.
finished fourth in his heat in 23.99 seconds, while Ebingha placed fifth in 24.01 seconds, ensuring Nigeria will have two representatives in the semifinal later on Tuesday.
Attention will now shift to the evening athletics session, where Nigeria’s leading sprinters will compete for places in the finals of the men’s and women’s 100 metres.
National record holder Kayinsola Ajayi, Favour Ashe and Nicholas Fakorede will feature in the men’s semifinals, while Rosemary Chukwuma, Miracle Ezechukwu and Blessing Ogundiran will contest the women’s event.
Nigeria will also be targeting podium finishes in other competitions, with Oyesade Olatoye set to compete in the women’s hammer throw final.
Patricia Mbata will enter the ring for her women’s 75kg boxing quarterfinal, while Team Nigeria’s wheelchair women’s 3×3 basketball side faces Australia.
With six gold medals already secured and several medal opportunities still ahead, Team Nigeria remains firmly on course for another memorable outing as the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games gather momentum.
