Breaking: Nathaniel Ezekiel strikes Gold to extend Team Nigeria Commonwealth games medal haul

Team Nigeria continued its remarkable campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Friday night as Nathaniel Ezekiel stormed to victory in the men’s 400 metres hurdles, winning the gold medal in a time of 48.47 seconds.

The victory further strengthened Nigeria’s impressive showing in athletics and capped another memorable day for the country’s contingent, which has continued to produce podium finishes across several events. Blueprint reports

Ezekiel’s triumph came after he produced a composed and technically brilliant race, maintaining his rhythm over the hurdles before powering away from his rivals in the closing stages to cross the finish line first and secure Commonwealth Games gold.

His victory adds to Nigeria’s growing list of athletics medals at the Games and reinforces the country’s reputation as one of Africa’s foremost track and field nations.

Perfect reward for consistency
The gold medal was a fitting reward for the Nigerian hurdler, who entered the final as one of the favourites following a series of outstanding performances on the international circuit.

Throughout the championship, Ezekiel displayed remarkable consistency, progressing confidently through the preliminary rounds before saving his best performance for the final when it mattered most.

His winning time of 48.47 seconds was enough to keep the chasing pack behind and hand Nigeria another memorable moment at the Games.

The triumph also represents another major milestone in the athlete’s career as he continues to establish himself among the world’s leading 400 metres hurdlers.

Athletics continues to deliver for Nigeria
Ezekiel’s success came barely 24 hours after Team Nigeria celebrated another historic athletics achievement when Chukwuebuka Enekwechi claimed gold in the men’s shot put with a championship-winning throw of 21.07 metres.

Nigeria also celebrated a courageous bronze medal from world record holder Tobi Amusan in the women’s 100 metres hurdles after she battled through a knee injury sustained during training.

The latest victory means athletics has continued to justify the confidence reposed in the country’s athletes by the National Sports Commission (NSC), with several competitors producing season-best performances in Glasgow.

The performances have also highlighted the depth of talent within Nigerian athletics, with athletes excelling in sprints, hurdles and field events.

Team Nigeria’s medal tally rises
Ezekiel’s gold further boosted Team Nigeria’s position on the Commonwealth Games medals table as the country continued its quest for one of its best-ever outings at the Games.

Nigeria has enjoyed an outstanding campaign, recording medal-winning performances not only in athletics but also in para powerlifting, weightlifting and other sporting events.

The country’s medal haul has been driven by a combination of experienced stars and emerging talents, many of whom have justified the extensive preparations and investment made ahead of the Games.

Officials believe the performances are evidence that Nigeria’s sports development programmes are beginning to yield positive results on the international stage.

Confidence grows inside Nigerian camp
The atmosphere within Team Nigeria’s camp has remained upbeat following the string of impressive performances recorded over the past few days.

Athletes, coaches and officials have continued to express confidence that more medals could be won before the conclusion of the Games, especially with several Nigerians qualifying for finals in various events.

The National Sports Commission has repeatedly commended the athletes for their discipline, determination and commitment, describing their performances as a reflection of the resilience and fighting spirit associated with Nigerian sports.

For many of the younger athletes, the Glasgow Games have also provided an opportunity to gain valuable international experience while competing against some of the Commonwealth’s finest competitors.

More finals offer fresh medal opportunities
Even as Ezekiel celebrated his golden moment, Team Nigeria still had several athletes in contention for medals across the athletics programme.

Samuel Ogazi and Edidiong Udo remained in the hunt in the men’s 400 metres final, while Ella Onojuvwevwo was expected to compete in the women’s 400 metres final.

Nigeria also had high hopes in the men’s 200 metres through Udodi Onwuzurike, while Chinecherem Nnamdi continued the country’s campaign in the men’s javelin throw.

Ruth Usoro was also in action in the women’s long jump, while Jami Schlueter continued Nigeria’s participation in the demanding decathlon competition.

The presence of multiple Nigerian athletes in major finals underlined the country’s growing competitiveness across different athletics disciplines.

Momentum heading into final days
With only a few days remaining before the conclusion of the Games, Nigeria’s impressive performances have generated optimism that the country’s medal tally will continue to increase.

Sports enthusiasts back home have praised the athletes for flying the nation’s flag high and demonstrating that Nigerian sports can compete favourably with the best across the Commonwealth.

For Nathaniel Ezekiel, the Glasgow triumph will remain one of the defining moments of his career. Beyond the gold medal, his performance has inspired confidence that Nigeria possesses a new generation of athletes capable of challenging consistently for honours on the global stage.

As the Games enter the closing stretch, Team Nigeria will be hoping to sustain the momentum, add more medals to its collection and finish among the leading nations on the Commonwealth Games medal table.