Glasgow 2026: Nigeria’s Oluwafemiayo, Ajayi headline star-studded Commonwealth Games field

Nigeria's elite athletes, including Commonwealth para powerlifting champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo and sprinter Kayinsola Ajayi, are confirmed participants for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Organizers announced a star-studded lineup featuring Olympic, Paralympic, and world champions across various disciplines.

Oluwafemiayo, the reigning women's heavyweight para powerlifting champion, aims to defend her title won in Birmingham four years ago. As a multiple Paralympic and world champion, she is a strong contender for another gold medal, following her record-breaking performance at the 2022 Games where Nigeria secured four para powerlifting medals, including one gold and two silver.

In athletics, Ajayi arrives in Glasgow in impressive form after equaling the Nigerian men's 100m record of 9.84 seconds at the London Diamond League. His participation in the 100m event is expected to be a major highlight, potentially renewing his rivalry with Kenya's Ferdinand Omanyala, the defending Commonwealth champion.

The Games will host approximately 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories, competing in 10 sports and six para sports. Nigeria anticipates strong performances in para powerlifting, athletics, weightlifting, boxing, and wrestling as the nation aims to surpass its previous achievements.