Enku Ewa Ekuta etched her name into Nigerian sporting history on Saturday after winning a bronze medal in the women’s -63kg judo event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Trybal News reports.
The 28-year-old became the first Nigerian judoka to reach the Commonwealth Games podium since Manchester 2002, ending a 24-year medal drought for the country in the sport.
Ekuta displayed resilience and tactical discipline throughout the competition, producing a series of impressive performances to secure a place on the podium and deliver one of Team Nigeria’s most significant medals of the Games.
The bronze is another milestone in the career of the Nigerian judoka, who has steadily established herself among Africa’s best. A former African champion, Ekuta represented Nigeria at the Tokyo Olympic Games after winning continental honours and consistently competing at the highest level.
Born into a family deeply rooted in judo, with both parents having represented and served the sport in Nigeria, Ekuta has continued that legacy by becoming one of the country’s most accomplished female judokas.
Her achievement also highlights Team Nigeria’s success across multiple disciplines in Glasgow. While athletics and weightlifting have contributed the bulk of the medals, Ekuta’s podium finish ensures judo joins the list of sports delivering honours for the Nigerian contingent.
Beyond adding to Nigeria’s medal tally, Ekuta’s historic bronze marks the return of Nigerian judo to the Commonwealth podium after more than two decades, providing a significant boost for the sport and inspiring the next generation of judokas.
