CWG: Sprinter Ogundiran Undergoes Successful Surgery in Glasgow

Team Nigeria sprinter Blessing Ogundiran has undergone successful surgery in Glasgow after being diagnosed with appendicitis during the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Ogundiran’s absence from the women’s 100m event on Tuesday had raised concerns after her name was missing from the starting list, particularly following Rosemary Chukwuma’s failure to qualify for the final.

However, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, disclosed on Wednesday that the sprinter had been diagnosed with appendicitis shortly after a training session ahead of the race.

Speaking with journalists at Nigeria House in Glasgow, Olopade said the surgery was successful and the athlete was recovering well.

“These are some of the unforeseen issues we have to deal with in the camp. We thank God Ogundiran had a successful surgery this morning,” he said.

Olopade also revealed that another Nigerian athlete fell ill shortly before competing at the Games but was promptly attended to by the team’s medical personnel.

He praised the efforts of Team Nigeria’s medical staff for responding quickly to the health challenges faced by the athletes.

Meanwhile, 400m runner Edidiong Udo believes the adverse weather conditions in Glasgow affected the performances of several Nigerian sprinters during Tuesday’s races.

According to Udo, heavy rainfall made conditions difficult for athletes, including Rosemary Chukwuma, teenage debutant Miracle Ezechukwu, Nicholas Fakorede, and Favour Ashe.

Organisers were forced to suspend some events for several hours due to persistent rain before competition resumed.

While stressing that he was not making excuses for any athlete, Udo said the weather undoubtedly influenced performances.

“I am not giving any excuses on behalf of any athlete, but sincerely speaking the weather affected most of our athletes on Tuesday,” he said.

He added that athletes react differently to weather conditions, noting that some competitors struggled to adapt to the cold and wet environment.

Despite the setbacks, Team Nigeria remains hopeful of securing more medals as athletics events continue in Glasgow.