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Just-In: Ella Onojuvwevwo Delivers! Nigerian Star Battles to Commonwealth 400m Bronze, Hands Team Nigeria 20th Medal
Team Nigeria’s incredible run at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continued on Saturday as Ella Onojuvwevwo fought brilliantly to claim bronze in the women’s 400 metres, adding another medal to Nigeria’s growing collection.
In a thrilling final at Scotstoun Stadium, the Nigerian quarter-miler crossed the finish line in 51.00 seconds to secure third place, finishing just one hundredth of a second behind Barbados’ Sada Williams, who took silver in 50.99 seconds.
Jamaica’s Dejanea Oakley stormed to the gold medal in 50.21 seconds, while Wales’ Charlotte Henrich narrowly missed the podium in fourth with 51.16 seconds.
For Onojuvwevwo, the medal is another milestone in what has become a remarkable rise to the top of African athletics.
The Delta State-born runner has emerged as one of Nigeria’s brightest quarter-mile talents in recent seasons, representing the country at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games and consistently improving her performances on the international circuit. Glasgow has now delivered her biggest career achievement—a first individual Commonwealth Games medal.
The Nigerian qualified for the final in impressive fashion after winning her semifinal in 51.47 seconds, announcing herself as a genuine medal contender. In the final, she produced another courageous run, holding her composure over the closing metres to fend off a strong challenge from the chasing pack and secure a place on the podium.
Her bronze continues Team Nigeria’s outstanding athletics campaign, which has already produced gold medals through Samuel Ogazi (men’s 400m), Ezekiel Nathaniel (men’s 400m hurdles) and Chukwuebuka Enekwechi (men’s shot put), alongside podium finishes by Udodi Onwuzurike, Jessica Oji, Kayinsola Ajayi, Temitope Adeshina and Tobi Amusan.
With Ella’s bronze, Team Nigeria’s medal tally has now climbed to an impressive 20 medals—10 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze as the nation continues one of its finest Commonwealth Games campaigns in decades.
For Onojuvwevwo, Saturday’s race was about more than winning a medal.
It was proof that Nigeria’s new generation of women quarter-milers has arrived on the Commonwealth stage.
And with age still firmly on her side, Ella Onojuvwevwo’s bronze may be just the beginning of an even greater career in the green and white.
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has called for calm and unity amid the growing crisis within world football’s governing body, insisting that the FIFA presidential election in March 2027 should provide the appropriate platform for members to determine the organisation’s direction.
Speaking in Salzburg around the UEFA Super Cup, Motsepe said the current disagreements should not descend into prolonged internal conflict, urging all sides to respect FIFA’s electoral and governance processes.
Read Also: ‘Africa Must Protect Its Interests’ — CAF’s Lux September Speaks on FIFA Crisis | Sports247 Nigeria
FIFA’s 211 member associations are expected to decide the organisation’s leadership at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027. Current president Gianni Infantino is seeking another term.
Motsepe maintained that the election should allow the various candidates and member associations to make their positions clear through the established democratic process rather than through continued public confrontation.
The CAF president also reiterated his support for Infantino, describing him as a leader who has shown commitment to African football.
“Gianni Infantino has been loyal to Africa and has shown a deep commitment to African development and growth.”
His comments come amid a major dispute over FIFA’s proposed Forward Enterprise, which involved plans for private investment in FIFA competitions and triggered strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and other stakeholders. FIFA eventually abandoned the proposal after widespread criticism over transparency and the consultation process.
Motsepe said the current situation should instead encourage dialogue, cooperation and respect for due process.
Africa’s position could be particularly influential at the election because CAF’s 54 member associations represent the second-largest voting bloc in FIFA, behind UEFA’s 55.
With the FIFA presidential contest approaching, Motsepe’s position keeps CAF firmly aligned behind Infantino while other confederations continue to demand changes in FIFA’s leadership and governance.
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