Ekuta ends 24-year Judo medal wait

Enku Ekuta has ended a 24-year wait for a Nigerian judo medal at the Commonwealth Games, securing a bronze in the women's -63kg category at the Glasgow 2026 Games. Ekuta defeated Zambia's Rita Kabinda by ippon in a contest that concluded in under three minutes. She earned her spot in the bronze medal match through the repechage after facing a defeat in the quarter-finals.

This achievement marks Nigeria's first judo medal at the Commonwealth Games since the 2002 edition, concluding over two decades of disappointment for the sport in the country. The breakthrough is seen as a significant moment for Nigerian judo, which has historically struggled to convert domestic talent into medals on the Commonwealth stage, despite nurturing several promising athletes.

Ekuta's performance in Glasgow was characterized by determined and tactically disciplined efforts against highly ranked judokas. Stakeholders in Nigerian judo believe her success could stimulate greater investment in grassroots development and athlete welfare. The medal adds to Nigeria's strong showing at the Glasgow Games, with athletes also achieving success in athletics, weightlifting, swimming, and para sports.