The list, published ahead of the Games, highlights athletes and teams expected to play leading roles across the 10 sports on the programme, with more than 500 competitors from Africa due to compete between 23 July and 2 August.

Nigeria has the joint-highest representation on the list alongside South Africa, with hurdler Tobi Amusan, weightlifter Rafiatu Lawal, 3×3 basketball player Ike Nwamu and para powerlifter Folashade Oluwafemiayo all receiving recognition.

Here are the four Nigerians featured by Olympics.com:

1. Tobi Amusan (100m hurdles)

Olympics.com described the world record holder as one of the biggest stars heading to Glasgow.

The two-time Commonwealth champion will attempt to win a third consecutive women’s 100m hurdles title after arriving in Scotland in strong form, having claimed another African title and recorded a series of podium finishes on the Diamond League circuit.

2. Rafiatu Lawal (Weightlifting)

Lawal was recognised as one of Nigeria’s leading medal contenders after her dominant performances since Birmingham 2022.

The reigning Commonwealth champion in the women’s 59kg category has added a world championship silver medal and a third successive African title since finishing fifth at the Paris Olympics, strengthening her prospects of retaining her Commonwealth crown.

3. Ike Nwamu (3×3 basketball)

Tokyo Olympian Ike Nwamu was included as Nigeria prepares to make its Commonwealth Games debut in men’s 3×3 basketball.

The experienced guard has featured in the NBA G League and several European leagues and most recently represented D’Tigers at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket.

He is expected to lead Nigeria’s historic first appearance in the discipline, which returns for its second Commonwealth Games after debuting at Birmingham 2022.

4. Folashade Oluwafemiayo (Para powerlifting)

Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo also featured on the list.

The multiple Paralympic and world champion heads to Glasgow as the defending Commonwealth champion in the women’s heavyweight category and remains one of the favourites to retain her title.

Other African stars recognised

Beyond Nigeria, Olympics.com highlighted several other leading athletes expected to make an impact in Glasgow.

South African swimming legend Chad le Clos will compete at his sixth Commonwealth Games as he attempts to add to his 18 medals, while Kenyan javelin thrower Julius Yego continues his pursuit of another major title.

South African gymnast Caitlin Rooskrantz, Zambia‘s Commonwealth 400m champion Muzala Samukonga, Ghana’s men’s 4x100m relay team, and Uganda’s national netball team, the She Cranes, also made the list.

According to Olympics.com, the selected athletes and teams represent some of Africa’s strongest medal prospects and are expected to play prominent roles when competition begins in Glasgow.

The post Olympics names four Nigerian stars to watch at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games appeared first on Made In Africa Sport.