By Rhoda Godwin
For three Nigerian sprinters, Monday is more than just another day on the track—it is a chance to turn years of sacrifice into Commonwealth Games history.
As athletics events officially begin at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, all eyes will be on Nigeria’s sprint stars, who are set to battle some of the world’s fastest athletes in the opening round of the 100 metres.
National champion Favour Ashe will be the first Nigerian in action, lining up in Heat 1 of the men’s 100m, while Adekalu Fakorede takes to the track later in Heat 10. In the women’s event, teenage sensation Miracle Ezechukwu will carry the hopes of millions when she competes in Heat 8, hoping to continue her remarkable rise on the international stage.
The excitement does not end there. Nigeria’s 100m record holder Kanyinsola Ajayi and top seed Rosemary Chukwuma have already secured places in the next round, boosting the country’s hopes of a strong medal haul.
Beyond the sprints, Oyesade Olatoye, based in the United States, will represent Nigeria in the women’s Hammer Throw qualifying event, adding another opportunity for the country to shine.
For the athletes, the competition represents years of relentless training, early mornings, injuries, and unwavering determination. Every race offers a chance to reward those sacrifices while inspiring millions of young Nigerians who dream of wearing the green-and-white colours on the global stage.
Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) President Chief Tonobok Okowa, who is in Glasgow with the team, expressed confidence in the athletes’ ability to deliver outstanding performances.
“As athletics events begin, I know that our team is ready and fired up to make the country proud. I charge them to go for glory. Our coaches have done a great job keeping the athletes in shape. We are here to support each of them in their events. Our target of seven gold medals is achievable,” he said.
Okowa also encouraged the athletes to take advantage of the performance incentives announced by the National Sports Commission, describing them as an added motivation to excel.
With the starting blocks set and national pride at stake, Nigeria’s athletes now have the opportunity to write another memorable chapter in the country’s sporting history—one stride, one throw, and one finish line at a time.
