Nigeria finished as Africa’s highest-ranked nation, with South Africa and Kenya also delivering impressive campaigns as the continent showcased its growing strength across multiple sports.
Glasgow, Scotland (Running Africa) — Nigeria finished as Africa’s top-performing nation at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, ending the competition seventh overall after winning 24 medals, including 10 gold, seven silver and seven bronze.
The impressive performance saw Nigeria top the African medal table, underlining the country’s growing strength across multiple sporting disciplines on the international stage.
Several other African nations also produced standout performances, highlighting the continent’s continued rise in Commonwealth sport.
South Africa and Kenya Complete Africa’s Top Three
South Africa finished as Africa’s second-best performing nation and 11th overall, collecting 28 medals—seven gold, 11 silver and 10 bronze—in one of its most balanced Commonwealth Games campaigns across a diverse range of sports.
Kenya secured 13th place overall, winning 12 medals, including three gold, four silver and five bronze.
The East African nation once again showcased its dominance in middle- and long-distance athletics, with its runners contributing significantly to the country’s medal tally.
More African Nations Reach the Podium
Africa’s success extended beyond its traditional sporting powerhouses.
Cameroon and Mauritius each claimed a gold medal, while Uganda, Namibia, Ghana, Lesotho, Zambia, Gabon, The Gambia and Rwanda also celebrated podium finishes during the Games.
The performances reflected the growing depth of sporting talent across the continent, with athletes from a wide range of nations earning medals in multiple disciplines.
Australia Tops Overall Medal Table
Outside Africa, Australia once again dominated the Commonwealth Games, finishing at the top of the medal standings with 171 medals, including 70 gold.
England placed second with 110 medals, while Canada completed the top three after securing 62 medals.
Africa Continues to Strengthen Its Global Sporting Presence
Nigeria’s seventh-place finish and the strong performances from South Africa, Kenya and several other African nations reinforce the continent’s growing influence at major international sporting events.
As African athletes continue to excel across athletics, combat sports, swimming and other disciplines, the 2026 Commonwealth Games highlighted the continent’s expanding talent pool and its increasing ability to compete with the world’s leading sporting nations.
The results also provide further momentum for African sport following a landmark year that has seen the continent continue to raise its profile on the global stage through record-breaking performances and historic achievements.
