Commonwealth Games:Former Araromi Ilogbo Secondary School Student Adeshina, Ends Nigeria’s 72-Year Medal Drought
Former Araromi Ilogbo Secondary School Student Adeshina Ends Nigeria’s 72-Year Commonwealth High Jump Medal Drought
Former student of Araromi Ilogbo Secondary School, Adesina Temitope, has etched her name in Nigeria’s sporting history after winning a bronze medal in the women’s high jump at the ongoing Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, ending the country’s 72-year wait for a medal in the event.
Temitope, who was discovered and nurtured by former principal of Araromi Ilogbo Secondary School and renowned sports analyst, Akins Afolarin, cleared 1.90 metres to finish third behind Australia’s Eleanor Patterson and Nicola Olyslagers.
Her feat makes her the first Nigerian high jumper to win a Commonwealth Games medal since the late Emmanuel Ifeajuna claimed gold at the 1954 British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Vancouver. She is also the first Nigerian woman to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the high jump.
The achievement marks a remarkable turnaround for the athlete, who finished 10th on her Commonwealth Games debut four years ago. Returning to the Games with renewed confidence, Adeshina displayed consistency and composure to secure a podium finish against a world-class field.
Her bronze medal also adds a new chapter to Nigeria’s athletics history. Before her triumph, only two Nigerians had ever won Commonwealth Games medals in the high jump.
Josiah Majekodunmi claimed silver at the 1950 British Empire Games in Auckland, earning Nigeria’s first-ever Commonwealth Games medal, while Emmanuel Ifeajuna won gold four years later in Vancouver, becoming the first Black African athlete to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal.
For more than seven decades, no Nigerian high jumper had added to that legacy until Adeshina’s historic performance in Glasgow.
Her success not only ends the long medal drought but also underscores Nigeria’s growing strength in field events, complementing the country’s traditional dominance in sprinting.
Adeshina’s bronze medal is one of the highlights of Team Nigeria’s campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and further establishes her as one of the country’s brightest athletics talents.
