Team Nigeria has made a flying start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, delivering impressive, record-breaking performances in para powerlifting and weightlifting.
Nigeria’s first gold medal came through Esther Nworgu, who won the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event with a Games record performance. Folashade Oluwafemiayo also claimed gold after breaking her own world record twice, finishing with a remarkable 175kg lift.
In weightlifting, Edidiong Joseph Umoafia won gold in the men’s 71kg event with a record total lift of 319kg, while Onome Omolola Didih secured gold in the women’s 53kg category after setting new records in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift.
Defending champion Rafiatu Folashade Lawal successfully retained her title, winning gold in her division with a combined record lift of 229kg.
The victories lifted Team Nigeria’s medal tally to nine medals—five gold and four silver.
Meanwhile, Nigerian sprinters Favour Ashe, Kanyinsola Ajayi, and Israel Fakorede have all qualified for the men’s 100 metres semi-finals and will compete on Tuesday for places in the final.
