Team Nigeria made an impressive start to its medal campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, collecting three medals in para powerlifting, including a gold for Esther Nworgu following a record-breaking performance.
Nworgu emerged champion in the women’s lightweight event, setting a new Commonwealth Games record with a total score of 119.0 points to hand Nigeria its first gold medal of the competition.
Her victory capped a dominant outing for the Nigerian contingent in the event, with compatriot Esther Oyema finishing second to claim the silver medal after recording 115.0+ points.
The one-two finish reaffirmed Nigeria’s dominance in para powerlifting, a sport that has consistently delivered medals for the country at major international competitions.
Earlier in the day, Roland Ezuruike also reached the podium after winning silver in the men’s Lightweight Group A event.
The experienced Nigerian lifter remained in contention for the top prize throughout the competition before eventually settling for second place.
The three-medal haul gives Nigeria an encouraging start in Glasgow, with para powerlifting once again proving to be one of the country’s strongest medal prospects.
Nworgu’s gold adds to her growing list of international achievements, while veteran lifter Oyema continued her remarkable consistency by extending her collection of medals at major championships.
Ezuruike’s silver medal also reinforced Nigeria’s strength in the men’s category as Team Nigeria looks to build on its early success in the remaining events at the Games.
