Oyiki Says Seven Gold Medals Achievable as Track & Field Begin Today

*Kanyinsola, Chukwuma drawn bye as Ashe, Fakorede, Miracle listed in heats

Duro Ikhazuagbe in Glasgow

As the track & field events of the 2026 Commonwealth Games begin today at the Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow, Scotland, Team Nigeria’s projection of winning seven gold medals in the sport has been described as achievable.

The men and women’s 100m heats will kick off campaign for Team Nigeria, but the country’s medal prospects, American NCAA collegiate champion, Kanyisola Ajayi and Rosemary Chukwuma will not be in action as they enjoyed the new rule that allows them to be drawn bye into the next round  starting from Tuesday.

However, reigning national champion, Favour Ashe will run in Heat 1 of the 100m race while Adekalu Fakorede is listed in Heat 10. For the women’s 100m, teenage sensation, Miracle Ezechukwu, will race in round 1 Heat 8.

In the women’s Hammer Throw US-based Oyesade Olatoye will participate in the Qualifying Round Group A for the women’s Hammer Throw. She will have to be in her best to be able to make the podium in the event where Canada’s Camryn Rogers holds the ace with leading best throw record of 81.13m which is both her PB and SB time.

Speaking on Team Nigeria’s seven gold medals prospect, former hurdler, Moses Oyiki, told THISDAY yesterday inside the Scotstoun Stadium that with the quality of young, world-classed athletes available, it was achievable.

“We have some of the best athletes around at the moment. We have seen what Kanyisola Ajayi is doing in the Diamond League circuit. Same with Samuel Ogazi in the quarter-mile, ending Innocent Egbunike’s long 400m national record. Nathaniel Ezekiel is not lagging in the 400m hurdles.

“Our ladies are equally doing great. Tobi Amusan is a sure-bet any day. Same with others female top athletes in their various events,”

He however expressed fears that handlers of the team need to perfect baton exchanges to be seem-less to avoid repeating some of the mistakes of the past that robbed Nigeria medals in those relay evetnts.