Okon Withdraws from Commonwealth Games Over Hamstring Injury

Israel Okon withdrew from the Commonwealth Games after a hamstring injury ended his Glasgow medal hopes prematurely.

Nigerian sprint sensation Israel Okon has withdrawn from the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, after sustaining a hamstring injury, dealing a major blow to Team Nigeria’s athletics campaign.

The 19-year-old announced his withdrawal on Monday, just two days before the commencement of the men’s 200 metres event, where he had been tipped as one of Nigeria’s medal hopefuls.

Okon was also expected to feature in the men’s 4x100 metres relay team, making his absence a significant setback for Nigeria’s sprint ambitions at the Games.

Despite missing the competition, the young athlete expressed gratitude for what he described as a remarkable 2026 season while pledging to focus on recovery.

“First and foremost, I thank God Almighty for His grace and blessings. I’m truly grateful to have achieved my first sub-10 in the 100m and, after three years of running 20.87s in the 200m, I finally broke the 20-second barrier.

“Unfortunately, I won’t be competing at the Commonwealth Games due to a hamstring injury, but I’m focused on my recovery and coming back stronger next season.

“Wishing all my friends and Team Nigeria the very best. Go make history and make Nigeria proud,” Okon said.

The withdrawal comes after a breakthrough year for the sprinter, who has emerged as one of Nigeria’s brightest track prospects.

Okon, the 2025 national 100 metres champion, recorded a personal best of 9.91 seconds at the LSU Bernie Moore Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in May 2026.

Earlier in the season, he clocked another impressive 9.99 seconds at the University of Kentucky Outdoor Track Facility in Lexington, marking his second sub-10-second performance.

He also achieved another career milestone by breaking the 20-second barrier in the 200 metres, posting a personal best of 19.94 seconds during the NCAA East First Round in Lexington.

With Okon ruled out, Team Nigeria’s relay coaches are expected to reshuffle their plans ahead of the 4x100 metres event.

Athletes available for relay selection include Kayinsola Ajayi, Fakorede Adekalu, Udodi Onwuzurike, Alaba Akintola and Favour Ashe, who will now shoulder Nigeria’s hopes in the sprint relay competition.