Nigeria made a flying start to the athletics programme at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as Favour Ashe became the first heat winner of the competition, cruising into the men’s 100m semifinals with an impressive performance, Trybal News reports.
Ashe claimed victory in the opening heat in a time of 10.10 seconds, easing off before the finish line after taking complete control of the race. The performance earned the Nigerian sprinter the honour of becoming the first athlete to win a heat in the athletics and para athletics programme at Glasgow 2026.
Nicknamed the “Nigerian Nightmare,” Ashe looked comfortable throughout the race and never appeared under pressure as he secured his place in the semifinals with plenty left in reserve.
Speaking after the race, Ashe revealed he had simply followed his coach’s instructions and believes there is much more to come.
“I’m happy,” he said. “My coach told me to execute and I did that. I want to do more in the semis and final. The track looks fast and I love Glasgow.”
Nigeria also celebrated another qualification as Nicholas Fakorede booked his place in the semifinals after finishing second in Heat 10. Fakorede crossed the line in 10.21 seconds despite trailing Lesotho’s Mojela Koneshe, who stormed to victory in a national record time of 10.07 seconds.
Meanwhile, Nigerian sprint sensation Kayinsola Ajayi did not feature in the opening-round heats after receiving a direct bye into the semifinals.
Ajayi was among a select group of athletes exempted from the first round, allowing him to focus entirely on Tuesday’s semifinal.
With Ashe, Fakorede and Ajayi all progressing, Nigeria will have three representatives in the men’s 100m semifinals as they continue their pursuit of Commonwealth Games sprint glory in Glasgow.
