The 1950 Games in Auckland, New Zealand, was the first ever international competition Nigeria took part in, and the Commonwealth Games was then referred to as the British Empire Games.
Josiah Majekodunmi competed in the men’s High Jump and claimed Nigeria’s only medal at the 1950 Empire Games, winning joint Silver with Scotland’s Alan Paterson after clearing a height of 1.95m. Australia’s John Winter won GOLD with 1.98m, which was a Games Record then.
Majekodunmi’s Silver was Nigeria’s first ever medal at an international outing. He went on to compete at the 1952 Helsinki Olympics where he placed 9th overall. Watch Majekodunmi’s Silver-winning jump at the 1950 Games:
