By OLANREWAJU AKOJEDE

Team Nigeria made another emphatic statement at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday, setting the first-ever Commonwealth Games record in the Mixed 4x400m Relay.

Kola Daniel, Special Adviser on Media, Office of the Director-General, National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, in a statement also disclosed that the impressive Team Nigeria secured another field event final.

“History was made on the track as the Nigerian Mixed 4x400m quartet of Edidiong Udo, Esther Joseph, Samuel Ogazi and Patience Okon-George stormed to victory in their heat in a time of 3:14.58.

“The performance established the first-ever Commonwealth Games record in the Mixed 4x400m Relay event.

“The Nigerian team finished comfortably ahead of Australia, who placed second in 3:15.21, to qualify for the final as the fastest team and overwhelming favourites for the gold medal,” he said.

Daniel noted that the remarkable performance ensured the quartet became the first athletes to enter the Commonwealth Games record books in the Mixed 4x400m Relay.

“The feat has further underlined Team Nigeria’s determination ahead of the eagerly anticipated final,” he said.

He added that Ruth Usoro also booked her place in the women’s long jump final with an impressive first attempt.

“Usoro produced a season’s best leap of 6.77m (+0.6) on her opening attempt, comfortably surpassing the automatic qualifying standard of 6.70m to progress to the medal round with confidence,” he said.

Daniel also stated that Team Nigeria remained firmly in contention in the men’s decathlon, with Jami Schlueter occupying fourth position after six events with 5,099 points.

“The versatile Nigerian will conclude his campaign during the evening session with the javelin throw and the demanding 1,500 metres, where a strong finish could propel him into the medal positions.

“Attention now shifts to an action-packed evening session, where Team Nigeria will be chasing more podium finishes across several events.

“Ezekiel Nathaniel will compete in the men’s 400m hurdles final, while Chinecherem Nnamdi will contest the men’s javelin final.

“Sprint star Udodi Onwuzurike will also line up in the men’s 200m final as he seeks to add another medal to Nigeria’s growing tally,” he said.

Daniel expressed optimism that Team Nigeria would continue its impressive run at the Games.

“With a Commonwealth Games record already secured and several finals still to come, Team Nigeria heads into the Day Eight evening session with confidence and momentum.

“There are high expectations that the team will add more medals to the country’s tally in Glasgow,” he said. (NAN)