By Ayomide Otitoju
Nigeria’s Ezekiel Nathaniel claimed a historic gold medal in the men’s 400-metre hurdles at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, becoming the first Nigerian to win the event.
Nathaniel delivered a commanding performance at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, on Friday, crossing the finish line in 48.47 seconds to secure the title.
The 23-year-old surpassed the achievement of Kingsley Agbabokha, who won silver for Nigeria in the event at the 1996 Commonwealth Games when it was contested as the 440-yard hurdles.
Nathaniel dominated the race, finishing ahead of England’s Jake Minshull, who claimed silver after breaking the 49-second mark, while Jamaica’s Assinie Wilson took the bronze medal.
His victory also marked Nigeria’s first track gold medal at the Glasgow Games. Earlier, world record holder Tobi Amusan secured bronze in the women’s 100m hurdles, while Kanyinsola Ajayi also won bronze.
Nigeria added another medal on the track as Udodi Onwuzurike claimed silver in the men’s 200 metres with a season-best time of 20.09 seconds.
South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile won gold in 19.96 seconds, while Jamaica’s Christopher Taylor finished third in 20.11 seconds.
Onwuzurike produced a strong performance around the bend and held off Taylor in the closing metres to secure Nigeria’s silver medal.
