Nigeria’s medal tally at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow rose to 11 after sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi secured a bronze medal in the men’s 100 metres final with a strong performance against a world-class field.
The achievement adds another podium finish for Team Nigeria as the competition enters its closing stages.
The 21-year-old Nigerian sprint sensation finished third behind Cameroon’s Emmanuel Eseme, who stormed from a slow start to claim the gold medal in a new Commonwealth Games record of 9.83 seconds.
Australia’s Lachlan Kennedy produced an impressive run to take silver with a national record time of 9.85 seconds, leaving Ajayi to settle for bronze after a competitive race.
Ajayi’s podium finish continues what has been an outstanding season for the young sprinter.
In recent weeks, he attracted global attention after equalling the Nigerian men’s 100m record at the London Diamond League, cementing his status as one of the country’s brightest athletics prospects.
His latest success provides another boost for Team Nigeria, which has enjoyed a productive campaign across multiple sporting disciplines at the Glasgow Games.
The bronze medal increases Nigeria’s overall medal haul to 11, reflecting the country’s growing competitiveness at the Commonwealth Games.
Although Ajayi narrowly missed out on the top two positions, his performance against an elite field highlighted his continued development and ability to compete with some of the fastest sprinters in the Commonwealth.
Athletics officials are expected to draw confidence from his consistency as preparations begin for future international competitions.
The National Sports Commission has previously praised Ajayi’s rapid progress, describing his recent performances as a major inspiration for Team Nigeria.
His medal in Glasgow reinforces that assessment and further establishes him as one of the country’s leading sprint talents.
With more events still to come, Team Nigeria will be aiming to build on its medal count and finish the 2026 Commonwealth Games on a strong note, while Ajayi’s bronze stands as another milestone in his promising international career.
