Nigeria Shines Early: Commonwealth Games Sees Swimmers and Boxers Target More Medals

Team Nigeria commenced its campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with an exceptional performance on the opening day, securing six medals and positioning itself second on the overall medals table, trailing only Australia. By the close of Day One, Nigeria had amassed three gold and three silver medals, all originating from para powerlifting events, emphatically underscoring the nation's consistent dominance in this sport.

Australia led the standings with six gold, two silver, and five bronze medals, while host nation Scotland occupied third place with two gold and two silver medals. Nigeria's remarkable golden streak began with Esther Nworgu, who clinched the country’s first gold medal in the women’s lightweight event. Nworgu achieved a lift of 123kg, scoring 119 points, and impressively set two new Commonwealth Games records in the process. Her compatriot, Esther Oyema, secured the silver medal with a lift of 125kg and 115.5 points, completing a Nigerian one-two finish ahead of England’s Olivia Broome.

The second gold medal was awarded to Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who delivered another commanding display in the women’s heavyweight category. The multiple-time world champion successfully defended her Commonwealth title, lifting an astounding 175kg to establish a new world record and finish with 134.8 points. In the same event, Rita Ferdinand added to Nigeria's success by winning the silver medal, setting her own new world record lift of 158kg and accumulating 128.2 points, thus ensuring another Nigerian one-two on the podium. Riluwan Idris secured the country’s third gold medal, claiming victory in the men’s heavyweight category ahead of England’s Matthew Harding, which concluded a memorable day for Team Nigeria's powerlifters.

Earlier in the day, veteran Roland Ezuruike had initiated Nigeria’s medal count with a silver medal in the men’s lightweight event. The 50-year-old narrowly missed out on gold after an unsuccessful final attempt at a Commonwealth Games record lift, yet his performance extended a distinguished medal-winning career spanning nearly two decades. Overall, Nigeria’s para powerlifters secured three of the four gold medals available on the opening day, reaffirming the country's status as a global leader in the sport.

Beyond the medal events, Nigeria’s men’s 3x3 basketball team secured a 21-17 victory over the Cayman Islands in their initial group match but subsequently faced a defeat against Australia. In boxing, Ayomide Foly Hassan exited the men’s 70kg event after a Round of 32 loss to Lesotho’s Refiloe Thai, marking little cheer in the boxing ring on Friday.

Team Nigeria arrived in Glasgow with aspirations for one of its most successful Commonwealth Games campaigns, following a comprehensive high-performance training camp in Aberdeen and benefiting from enhanced athlete welfare initiatives implemented by the National Sports Commission. With such a strong statement of intent made on the opening day, the team is optimistic about continuing its successful run.

Looking ahead to Saturday, Team Nigeria is poised to maintain its momentum with athletes competing across several disciplines. Abduljabar Adama is scheduled to compete in the men’s 50m freestyle and 100m butterfly heats. Clinton Opute will also participate in the men’s 50m freestyle, while Collin Obi Ebincha will line up in the men’s 100m butterfly. Dorcas Oka will represent Nigeria in the women’s 100m breaststroke. Additionally, Nigeria’s women’s 3x3 wheelchair basketball team will commence its campaign against host nation Scotland in Group B, and boxer David Akintola will begin his challenge in the men’s 80kg event preliminary round.