Ajayi ends 20-year wait with 100m bronze as Nigeria stay in Glasgow 2026 top five

Kayinsola Ajayi claimed Nigeria’s first men’s 100m medal at the Commonwealth Games in two decades with bronze in Glasgow, reinforcing Team Nigeria’s place inside the top five of the Glasgow 2026 medal table.

The 21-year-old sprinter finished third in a high‐class final at Scotstoun Stadium on Tuesday, clocking 9.90 seconds in wet and testing conditions to secure Nigeria’s first athletics podium of these Games in the blue-riband event.

Ajayi, Nigeria’s only representative in the final, crossed the line behind Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme, who surged to gold in a Games record 9.83 seconds, and Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy, who claimed silver in a personal-best 9.85.

Four men dipped under 10 seconds despite the rain, underlining the depth and quality of one of the fastest men’s 100m finals in recent Commonwealth Games history.

Historic medal for Nigeria

Ajayi’s performance brought an end to Nigeria’s long wait for a men’s 100m medal at the Commonwealth Games, the country’s first since Olusoji Fasuba took silver in 2006.

The Nigerian national record holder, with a best of 9.84, arrived in Glasgow in outstanding form following strong showings on the Diamond League circuit and a standout season in the NCAA ranks with Auburn University. His semi-final display reinforced his status as one of the favourites for the title.

“I’m not scared of anybody,” Ajayi had said confidently before the Games, and he backed up those words in the final by holding his technique and composure when the rain intensified at Scotstoun.

His bronze represents Nigeria’s breakthrough in athletics at Glasgow 2026 and offers a significant boost to the squad as the track and field schedule builds towards its conclusion.

Nigeria flying flag for Africa

Ajayi’s medal comes as Team Nigeria continue to lead the African challenge in Scotland. After Day Five, Nigeria remain the highest‐ranked African nation and sit firmly in fifth place on the overall medal table.

Nigeria’s tally stands at 6 gold, 4 silver and 2 bronze medals, for a total of 12, keeping them behind only Australia, Canada, England and hosts Scotland.

The delegation’s haul has been built on consistent returns across various sports, with strong displays in combat disciplines and across different weight categories helping to maintain their position among the leading nations.

Para powerlifting has been one of the areas delivering notable contributions, ensuring the Green-White-Green colours have been regularly seen on the podium as the competition has progressed.

Focus turns to closing stages

Ajayi’s success provides timely momentum as Glasgow 2026 moves into its final stretch, with more medals up for grabs on the track, including the relay events, before the closing ceremony on 2 August.

With Nigeria already secure as Africa’s top side on the medal table and performing strongly across multiple sports, the team are well placed to consolidate their standing and finish among the Commonwealth’s leading nations when the Games draw to a close.