Amusan Eyes Historic Commonwealth Hat-Trick as Nigeria’s Athletics Campaign Begins

By Dorcas Francis Koji

Nigeria’s track queen, Tobi Amusan, will begin her quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Commonwealth Games women’s 100m hurdles title as athletics events get underway at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The reigning Commonwealth champion enters the competition as one of Team Nigeria’s biggest medal hopes after rediscovering top form on the international circuit this season.

Amusan, who claimed Commonwealth gold in Birmingham 2022 after first winning the title in Gold Coast 2018, is aiming to become the first Nigerian athlete to win three successive Commonwealth Games titles in the women’s 100m hurdles.

The world record holder arrives in Glasgow on the back of an impressive campaign that has seen her capture Diamond League victories in Rabat and Paris, successfully defend her African title, and secure qualification for the Diamond League Final in Brussels.

Her return to peak form has renewed confidence within Team Nigeria as the country targets one of its most successful outings at the Commonwealth Games.

Nigeria’s athletics programme begins with several medal hopefuls competing across track and field events, but much of the spotlight will be on Amusan, whose consistency at the highest level has established her as one of Africa’s greatest athletes.

A successful defence of her title would further cement her legacy as one of Nigeria’s most decorated track stars while strengthening the country’s push for a strong finish on the medals table.

The National Sports Commission has expressed confidence in Team Nigeria’s athletics contingent, projecting multiple podium finishes during the Games, with Amusan expected to lead the country’s charge for gold.

Nigeria has traditionally enjoyed success in athletics at the Commonwealth Games, and officials believe the experienced hurdler possesses the quality and composure needed to inspire another memorable campaign.

As the competition begins in Glasgow, all eyes will be on the 28-year-old as she attempts to write another chapter in Nigerian sporting history by becoming a three-time consecutive Commonwealth Games champion.