Team Nigeria Wins Six Medals as Para Powerlifters Shine at Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games

Team Nigeria made a remarkable start to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, winning six medals, three gold and three silver, on the opening day, largely through outstanding performances in para powerlifting.

Roland Ezuruike secured silver in the men's lightweight category, while Esther Nworgu won Nigeria's first gold medal in the women's lightweight event after breaking the Commonwealth Games record, with compatriot Esther Oyema claiming silver. The strong showing immediately established Nigeria as one of the standout nations at the Games.

Team captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo delivered one of the competition's biggest moments by breaking her own world record twice, lifting 175kg to win gold and set a new Commonwealth Games record in the women's heavyweight category.

Rita Ferdinand added to Nigeria's medal haul by winning silver in the women's up to 79kg event after surpassing the previous world record with a 158kg lift. Riluwan Idris completed Nigeria's golden outing by claiming gold in the men's heavyweight para powerlifting event with an impressive 208kg lift.

Beyond para powerlifting, Nigeria's men's 3x3 basketball team suffered a 21-15 defeat to Australia after opening their campaign with a victory over the Cayman Islands, while boxer Abdulramon Abdulwahab exited the men's 65kg competition following a unanimous points loss to Uganda's Nuhu Batte.

The country's medal-winning performances and multiple record-breaking feats highlighted Nigeria's continued dominance in para powerlifting on the global stage. With six medals already secured, Team Nigeria has made an emphatic statement at Glasgow 2026 as competition continues.