Glasgow 2026: Nigeria surpass Australia, England in World Records race

Nigeria's athletes delivered a standout performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, not only securing medals but also etching their names in history by setting three of the six world records achieved during the event. This remarkable display underscored the nation's growing prowess in international sports.

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The country’s athletes also set three of the six world records recorded during the Games, organisers confirmed on Monday.

The record-breaking feats were spearheaded by Rita Ferdinand, who lifted 158kg in the women's up to 79kg para powerlifting event on July 24. Later the same day, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, the Team Nigeria Captain, set a new world record with a 175kg lift in the women's over-86 kg category, adding another Commonwealth Games title to her impressive career.

Nigeria's third world record came on July 29, when Goodness Nwachukwu threw 39.66 meters in the women's F42 discus event. These three performances meant Nigeria accounted for half of all the world records set at the Games, surpassing nations like Australia and England, which each set two and one world record, respectively.

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The three performances meant Nigeria accounted for half of all the world records set during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Beyond the world records, Nigeria's overall performance at the Games was exceptional. The country finished seventh on the final medals table with 10 gold, 7 silver, and 7 bronze medals, making it the highest-ranked African nation. Several athletes achieved historic firsts, including Chukwuebuka Enekwechi in the men's shot put, Ezekiel Nathaniel in the men's 400m hurdles, and Samuel Ogazi in the men's 400m title. Ella Onojuvwevwo and Ruth Usoro also made significant contributions in their respective events, highlighting Nigeria's strength across various disciplines.

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The country finished seventh on the final medals table with 10 gold, 7 silver, and 7 bronze medals, making Nigeria the highest-ranked African nation at the Games.