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.

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The National Sports Commission (NSC) announced a four-man squad comprising Marcel Esonwune, Sean Ikechukwu Nwamu, Esosa Okundaye and Robert Ukawuba for the tournament, which will be held at Glasgow’s Scottish Event Campus.

The quartet will become the first Nigerian players to compete in 3×3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games after the country missed the sport’s debut at Birmingham 2022.

Nigeria secured qualification in February when Commonwealth Sport confirmed the nations that would contest the expanded men’s competition.

Former Tokyo Olympian Ike Nwamu is expected to provide leadership and experience for the team. The 6ft 5in guard has represented Nigeria at the Olympic Games, played in the NBA G League and several European leagues, and most recently featured for D’Tigers at the 2025 FIBA AfroBasket.

The Glasgow Games will mark his Commonwealth Games debut.

Nigeria will compete against Australia, the Cayman Islands, Fiji, Guyana, Jamaica, Kenya, Malaysia, New Zealand, Scotland and Singapore, with one further European nation completing the 12-team field.

Glasgow 2026 will be the second Commonwealth Games to feature 3×3 basketball after the format made its debut at Birmingham 2022.

The competition has been expanded from eight to 12 teams in both the men’s and women’s events following the sport’s growing popularity across the Commonwealth.

FIBA secretary general Andreas Zagklis welcomed the increase in participating teams, describing it as recognition of the success of the sport’s Commonwealth Games debut.

“We are delighted that 3×3’s quota has been increased for Glasgow 2026,” Zagklis said.

“The decision is a testament to the great debut success of 3×3 at Birmingham 2022 and the growing popularity of 3×3 in Commonwealth nations and around the world.”

Played on a half court with one basket, 3×3 basketball features teams of three players and a 12-second shot clock.

Games last a maximum of 10 minutes, although matches end immediately if either team reaches 21 points, making it one of the fastest-paced events on the Commonwealth Games programme.

The Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from 23 July to 2 August, with around 3,000 athletes from 74 nations and territories expected to compete across 10 sports.

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