The 2026 Glasgow Commonwealth Games’ logo (Source: Glasgow2026.com)

Africans shined at the 2026 Commonwealth Games which took place in Glasgow, Scotland from July 23 to August 2, 2026. 13 African countries won medals compared to 10 at the previous 2022 Commonwealth Games. These countries were : Nigeria, South Africa, Kenya, Mauritius, Cameroon, Uganda, Namibia, Ghana, Lesotho, Zambia, Gabon, Gambia, Rwanda. Nigeria topped the list with 24 medals, with 10 golds, 7 silvers, and 7 bronzes, delivering its best Commonwealth performance ever. Rwanda and Gabon won their first ever medals. There were major improvements with a deeper bench of champions and more golds, and stable excellence.

Below are key champions from a few countries. There are a lot more, and you can find the full list on the 2026 Commonwealth Games website.

Chad Le Clos, most decorated athlete of the Commonwealth Games (Source: beinsports.com)

Nigeria : Goodness Nwachukwu won Gold on Women’s F44 Discus while establishing a world record. Esther Nworgu won Gold in the Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting, while Tobi Amusan took Bronze in the Women’s 100m Hurdles. On the Men’s side, Samuel Ogazi won Gold in the Men’s 400m, Chukwuebuka Enekwechi took Gold in Men’s Shot Put, Ezekiel Nathaniel Gold in Men 400 Hurdles, Idris Rilwan Gold and Roland Ezuruike Silver in Men’s Para Powerlifting. Nigeria’s depth across track, field, and para‑sports set a new continental benchmark.

South Africa : Chad le Clos won 3 medals in swimming relays at these games winning his 21st Commonwealth medal since his debut at Delhi 2010 Commonwealth Games. He has become the most successful athlete in the history of the games.

Cameroon : Emmanuel Eseme won Gold in the Men’s 100m setting a Commonwealth Games record of 9:83 s, while Richelle Anita Soppi Mbella took Silver Women’s Judo +78 kg.

Emmanuel Eseme of Cameroon (Source: Jamboradio.co.uk)

Mauritius : Remi Feuillet won Gold in Judo

Gabon won its first ever medal at the games with Marthe Gnacadja Avaro winning Bronze, Women’s Judo +78kg

The Gambia : Faye Njie with Bronze, Men’s Judo –73kg

Rwanda : won its first ever Commonwealth Games with Florence Niyonkuru taking Bronze, Women’s 10,000m