Nigerian Powerhouses Dominate Glasgow 2026: Para Lifters Shatter Records and Claim Gold!

Team Nigeria commenced its Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games campaign with a sensational start, securing an impressive six medals—three gold and three silver—on a dominant opening day primarily propelled by its para powerlifters. The nation not only bagged multiple podium finishes but also rewrote the record books across various categories, firmly establishing itself as an early standout at the Games.

The medal rush began with Paralympian Roland Ezuruike, who clinched a silver medal in the men’s lightweight Group A para powerlifting event. Ezuruike scored 153.9 points, narrowly missing out on gold and a Commonwealth Games record lift of 190kg in his final attempt, setting a strong precedent for the Nigerian contingent.

Nigeria’s first gold medal was delivered by Esther Nworgu in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting. Nworgu exhibited a commanding performance, lifting 123kg to achieve 119 points. This remarkable feat initially broke the Commonwealth Games record, and she further surpassed her own mark less than ten minutes later, sealing an emphatic victory. The event saw a memorable Nigerian one-two finish, as veteran Esther Oyema secured the silver medal, successfully lifting 125kg on her second attempt to score 115.5 points, while England’s Olivia Broome took the bronze. Nworgu’s achievement added another milestone to her international career, solidifying her status among the world’s elite para powerlifters and underlining Nigeria’s dominance in one of its strongest sporting disciplines.

Team Nigeria captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo then stole the spotlight with an extraordinary display in the women’s heavyweight para powerlifting. The reigning Paralympic and Commonwealth champion broke her own world record not once, but twice, first lifting 172kg and then improving it to an astonishing 175kg on her final attempt. Her breathtaking effort earned her 134.8 points and Nigeria’s second gold medal, also setting a new Commonwealth Games record. Oluwafemiayo’s dominant performance reaffirmed her status as one of the greatest para powerlifters of all time, securing her continued dominance in the women’s heavyweight division.

Further history was made by Rita Ferdinand, who secured the silver medal in the women’s up to 79kg category with an outstanding performance. Ferdinand lifted 158kg, eclipsing the previous world record of 154kg held by China’s Han Miaoyu. Despite her record-breaking feat, she finished with 128.2 points, contributing to a historic one-two finish for Nigeria alongside Oluwafemiayo in the overall heavyweight category. This double podium finish further highlighted Nigeria’s extraordinary strength and enduring pedigree in para powerlifting, a sport in which the country consistently produces world champions and Paralympic medallists.

Riluwan Idris completed Nigeria’s golden evening by winning the men’s heavyweight title. He achieved a massive lift of 208kg, amassing 132.8 points at a body weight of 86kg, and successfully edged England’s Matthew Harding into silver, with Malaysia’s Nicodemus Moses claiming bronze.

While para powerlifting dominated the headlines, Team Nigeria also competed in other events. The men’s 3×3 basketball team experienced a setback, suffering its first defeat of the competition with a 21-15 loss to Australia. This followed their historic 21-17 victory over the Cayman Islands in their opening match, with Ikechukwu Nwamu leading Nigeria’s scoring with nine points against Australia. In boxing, Abdulramon Abdulwahab exited the men’s 65kg competition after a unanimous 5-0 defeat to Uganda’s Nuhu Batte in the Round of 32.

With six medals already secured, including three golds and three silvers, and multiple world and Commonwealth Games records shattered, Team Nigeria has emphatically announced its presence at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, showcasing its immense talent and solidifying its reputation as a global powerhouse in para powerlifting.