By OLANREWAJU AKOJEDE

Temitope Adeshina has delivered one of the most historic performances of Team Nigeria’s campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

She won bronze in the women’s high jump to end a 72-year wait for a Nigerian medal in the event.

Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media to the Office of the Director General, National Sports Commission (NSC) Bukola Olopade in a statement on Wednesday in Lagos, disclosed that she came behind Australia’s Eleanor Patterson and Nicola Olyslagers.

“Adeshina cleared 1.90 metres to secure third place behind Australia’s Eleanor Patterson and Nicola Olyslagers, becoming the first Nigerian high jumper to stand on a Commonwealth Games podium.

“This was after Emmanuel Ifeajuna won gold at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver.

“Her achievement also made her the first Nigerian woman ever, to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the high jump, adding a new chapter to Nigeria’s rich athletics history,” he said.

Daniel noted that the bronze medal by Adeshina represented a remarkable rise for the Nigerian star, who finished 10th on her Commonwealth Games debut four years ago.

“Her return to the games was marked by composure, consistency and determination, as she successfully navigated the competition to claim a place on the podium against a world-class field.

"Adeshina’s medal carries significance far beyond the podium. Before her performance in Glasgow, only two Nigerians had ever won Commonwealth Games medals in the high jump.

“Josiah Majekodunmi secured silver at the 1950 British Empire Games in Auckland, earning Nigeria’s first-ever medal in the history of the Commonwealth Games.

“Four years later, Emmanuel Ifeajuna made history by winning gold in Vancouver, becoming the first black African athlete to capture a Commonwealth Games gold medal,” he added.

Daniel then stated that for more than seven decades, no Nigerian high jumper, male or female, had managed to add another Commonwealth medal to that distinguished legacy.

“Adeshina has now ended that long wait, becoming only the third Nigerian ever, to win a Commonwealth Games high jump medal and the first in 72 years.

“Her success also underscores the steady resurgence of Nigerian athletics on the international stage and highlights the country’s growing strength in field events, alongside its traditional sprinting prowess.

“The historic bronze adds another memorable moment to Team Nigeria’s campaign in Glasgow and further cements Adeshina’s status as one of the nation’s brightest athletics stars,” he said. (NAN)