Nigeria’s sprint medal prospects at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow now rest solely on the shoulders of Kanyinsola Ajayi after he advanced to the men’s 100m final as the country’s only remaining contender. The 20-year-old delivered a composed performance in the second semifinal, clocking 9.94 seconds under rainy conditions at Scotstoun Stadium to secure an automatic qualifying spot.
Semifinal heroics amid elimination of compatriots
Ajayi finished ahead of Wales’ Jeremiah Azu (10.00 seconds) and Ghana’s Abdul-Rasheed Saminu (10.06 seconds) to book his place in the final. His victory stood out on a mixed evening for Nigeria, as five other sprinters—three men and two women—failed to progress beyond the semifinal stage.
In the opening men’s semifinal, Favour Ashe placed fifth in 10.07 seconds, missing the cut as Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme set a national record of 9.89 seconds to win the heat. Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy followed in 9.94 seconds. The third semifinal brought further disappointment for Nigeria, with Nicholas Fakorede finishing fourth in 10.06 seconds behind South Africa’s Gift Leotlela (10.02) and Australia’s Eddie Nketia (10.03).
Women’s sprint campaign ends prematurely
Nigeria’s challenge in the women’s 100m also came to a halt. Rosemary Chukwuma, Blessing Ogundiran (who did not start), and Miracle Oluebube Ezechukwu all failed to reach the final after competing in the semifinals. Their exits left Ajayi as the sole Nigerian sprinter still in medal contention.
Despite the setbacks, Team Nigeria has enjoyed a strong start to the Games, amassing 10 medals—six gold and four silver—across various sports. The athletics squad arrived in Glasgow with high expectations, and Ajayi’s semifinal victory has reinforced his status as a genuine medal contender.
Ajayi’s stellar season and final lineup
The 20-year-old has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest sprinters in 2026, posting a wind-assisted 9.84 seconds and several sub-10-second performances. His composed semifinal run further solidifies his credentials ahead of the final later Tuesday.
Ajayi will face a strong field comprising Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme, Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy, South Africa’s Gift Leotlela, Ghana’s Benjamin Azamati, Wales’ Jeremiah Azu, and Australia’s Eddie Nketia. With five Nigerian athletes already through to the 400m semifinals, the team hopes to add more athletics medals to its tally before the Games conclude.
