Kayinsola Ajayi ended Nigeria’s 20 year wait for a medal in the men’s 100m at the Commonwealth Games after sprinting to bronze in a brilliant time of 9.90 seconds at the 2026 edition in Glasgow, Trybal News reports.
The talented sprinter became the first Nigerian man to reach the podium in the event since Olusoji Fasuba won silver at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Melbourne. Ajayi made an excellent start in the final and held his position strongly to secure a memorable bronze medal for Team Nigeria.
Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme produced a sensational performance to win gold in a Commonwealth Games record of 9.83 seconds, while Ajayi completed the podium after another impressive outing. The Nigerian had earlier booked his place in the final by winning his semifinal in 9.93 seconds, underlining his excellent form throughout the competition.
Nigeria also enjoyed success in the swimming events as Abduljabar Adama and Colins Ebingha progressed from the men’s 50m butterfly heats. Adama qualified after finishing fourth in 23.99 seconds, while Ebingha also advanced by placing fifth in 24.01 seconds.
However, not every Nigerian sprinter enjoyed the same fortune on the track. Favour Ashe and Nicholas Fakorede narrowly missed out on places in the men’s 100m final after finishing fifth and fourth respectively in their semifinal races.
Elsewhere, Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele placed seventh in the women’s 63kg weightlifting event after recording a combined lift of 193kg. In boxing, Patricia Mbata exited the women’s 75kg competition following a narrow split decision defeat to England’s Mary Kate Smith in the quarterfinals.
Despite mixed results across several events, Nigeria completed the day in fifth place on the Commonwealth Games medals table with a total of 12 medals, comprising six gold, four silver and two bronze. Ajayi’s historic bronze medal highlighted another encouraging day for Team Nigeria in Glasgow.
