Team Nigeria wins six medals, secures second at 2026 Commonwealth Games opening day
Team Nigeria secured six medals on the opening day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, placing second on the medal table behind Australia. The medals all came from para powerlifting: Roland Ezuruike took silver in the Men’s Lightweight with a 185kg lift; Esther Nworgu won gold and set a Games record in the Women’s Lightweight at 123kg; her teammate Esther Onyema claimed silver in the same class with a 125kg lift. Folashade Oluwafemiayo won gold and set a new world record in the Women’s Heavyweight with a 175kg lift, while Rita Ferdinand matched the existing world record with silver at 158kg. Riluwan Idris added another gold in the Men’s Heavyweight, lifting 208kg.
This strong start highlights Nigeria’s strength in para powerlifting and boosts hopes for a high overall medal tally. The performances also showcase the potential for increased investment and support for para‑athletes ahead of the remaining events.
With half of the Games still to come, will Nigeria maintain this momentum and challenge for the top spot on the medal table, or will other nations close the gap as the competition progresses?