Ogundiran: It was sad missing Commonwealth Games sprint medals

By Ben Efe 16.8.2026
Nigeria’s women’s sprint suffered a major blow at the 2026 Commonwealth Games as one of the runners expected to deliver Blessing Ogundiran suddenly fell ill when she arrived in Glasgow, Scotland.
Based on the results posted by the athletes who made it to the final of the women’s 100m, Ogundiran would have been guaranteed a podium finish based on her season’s best performance of 10.98 seconds. The event was won by Zoe Hobbs of New Zealand with 10.93 seconds; England’s Amy Hunt took silver (10.98s) and Australia’s Torrie Lewis won bronze (10.99s).
“It was sad missing out that race,” said Ogundiran who was diagnosed with appendicitis and needed urgent medical intervention.
“But I strongly believe God has a bigger plan for me…a good one is coming.”
Her absence was also felt in the women’s 4x100m relay where Nigeria failed to reach the final as another top sprinter Rosemary Chukwuma suffered a muscle injury.
Ogundiran who won the national trials in Lagos with 11.12 second stated that the illness took her by surprise as she never had any signal from her body.
“It was when we got to Scotland that I fell ill. But I am getting better every day and will continue to train for next season.”