By Olanrewaju Akojede

Team Nigeria ended Day Eight of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on a high, winning one gold and one silver medal to boost its growing medal collection.

The evening belonged to Ezekiel Nathaniel, who produced a commanding performance to win gold in the men’s 400m hurdles and become Commonwealth champion.

Nathaniel crossed the finish line in 48.47 seconds, finishing ahead of England’s Jake Minshull, who claimed silver in 48.99 seconds.

Jamaica’s Assinie Wilson secured the bronze medal after clocking 49.22 seconds in a highly competitive final.

The Nigerian controlled the race from the opening stages and accelerated strongly over the closing hurdles to secure a convincing victory.

Nathaniel’s triumph marked a remarkable turnaround from Birmingham 2022, where he finished sixth in the same event.

Four years later, the hurdler returned stronger and more experienced, delivering the performance of his career to stand atop the Commonwealth podium.

“It is a special moment for me and my country,” Nathaniel said after claiming Nigeria’s latest gold medal.

Nigeria’s success continued in the men’s 200m final, where sprint star Udodi Onwuzurike delivered an outstanding performance to win silver.

Running from lane eight, Onwuzurike clocked a season’s best of 20.09 seconds to finish second in a fiercely contested race.

South Africa’s Sinesipho Dambile won the gold medal in 19.96 seconds, while Onwuzurike secured Nigeria’s sixth silver medal of the Games.

“I’m happy with the medal and the performance. I gave everything on the track,” Onwuzurike said after the race.

Elsewhere, Jami Schlueter completed an impressive Commonwealth Games debut in the men’s decathlon, finishing seventh overall with 7,665 points.

Schlueter had occupied fourth position after the opening day and remained among the leading contenders through six events.

The Nigerian eventually secured a commendable top-seven finish in one of athletics’ most demanding disciplines, underlining his potential for future success.

Team Nigeria’s latest podium finishes increased its medal tally to nine gold, six silver and three bronze medals.

The country has now amassed 18 medals overall and remains among the strongest-performing nations at the Games.

Officials expressed confidence that the team would maintain its momentum during the closing stages of the competition.

“We are proud of the athletes’ performances and their commitment to excellence,” said Kola Daniel, Media Adviser at National Sports Commission.

With confidence growing and medals continuing to arrive, Team Nigeria heads into the final days determined to finish strongly in Glasgow. (NAN)

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