Nigeria’s weightlifting team produced one of the most memorable performances of the 2026 Commonwealth Games after three of its finest athletes delivered gold medal winning displays that rewrote the record books and reinforced the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in strength sports.
Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, Edidiong Joseph Umoafia and Onome Omolola Didih all emerged champions in their respective weight categories, each setting new Commonwealth Games records in a spectacular day for Team Nigeria in Glasgow.
The trio’s remarkable achievements further boosted Nigeria’s position on the medals table and highlighted the country’s continued dominance in weightlifting, a sport that has consistently delivered international success over the years.
Lawal was among the standout performers as she claimed victory in the women’s 59kg event with a commanding display of strength and composure. The experienced Nigerian lifter began strongly in the snatch competition, successfully lifting 103 kilograms to establish an early lead over her rivals.
She maintained her impressive form in the clean and jerk, producing a best lift of 126 kilograms to finish with an outstanding combined total of 229 kilograms. The performance earned her the gold medal and established a new Commonwealth Games record, confirming her status as one of the finest weightlifters in the competition.
Canada’s Ann Sophie Taschereau secured the silver medal after recording a total lift of 215 kilograms, while India’s Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam finished with bronze after lifting a combined 199 kilograms. Despite the quality of the competition, Lawal remained in control throughout the contest and never looked under serious pressure.
Earlier in the day, Edidiong Joseph Umoafia had already given Nigeria a golden start with an exceptional performance in the men’s 71kg category.
The Nigerian lifter opened confidently by lifting 147 kilograms in the snatch before producing another outstanding effort in the clean and jerk with a successful lift of 172 kilograms.
His combined total of 319 kilograms proved enough to secure the gold medal while also setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the event.
Samoa’s John Lautafi Tafi mounted a strong challenge but settled for silver after finishing with 314 kilograms, while Nauru’s Ezekiel Moses completed the podium with a combined lift of 310 kilograms.
Umoafia’s consistency across both disciplines underlined his technical excellence and physical strength, earning widespread praise from coaches and spectators alike.
Nigeria’s golden celebrations continued when Onome Omolola Didih delivered another historic performance in the women’s 53kg category.
Didih immediately announced her intentions by lifting 93 kilograms in the snatch, a successful attempt that established a new Commonwealth and Commonwealth Games record.
She followed it with another impressive display in the clean and jerk to finish with a combined total of 206 kilograms, comfortably winning the gold medal and setting another Games record in the process.
India’s Gyaneshwari Yadav claimed the silver medal with a total of 199 kilograms, while Canada’s Rebeka Groulx earned bronze after recording 178 kilograms.
The achievements of the three Nigerian lifters demonstrated the country’s remarkable depth in weightlifting and reflected years of investment in athlete development and international competition.
Their performances also highlighted the growing strength of Nigerian sports, particularly in disciplines where the nation has consistently challenged the world’s best.
The latest victories add to an already successful Commonwealth Games campaign for Team Nigeria.
Before the trio’s remarkable achievements, Ruth Asuquo Nyong had secured a silver medal in the women’s 48kg category, while Favour Agboro narrowly missed out on a podium finish after placing fourth in the men’s 65kg competition.
Nigeria has also enjoyed impressive success in para powerlifting, where athletes have continued to produce medal winning performances.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Esther Nworgu and Rilwan Idris captured gold medals in their respective events, while Esther Oyema, Roland Ezuruike and Rita Ferdinand added silver medals to Nigeria’s growing collection.
Sports analysts believe the continued success of Nigerian weightlifters reflects the effectiveness of the country’s talent development programmes and the commitment of athletes who have remained dedicated despite numerous challenges.
The performances of Lawal, Umoafia and Didih also serve as inspiration for young athletes hoping to represent Nigeria on the international stage.
With several medal events still to come in Glasgow, Team Nigeria remains optimistic about adding to its impressive tally.
Attention will now shift to athletics, wrestling and other disciplines where Nigerian competitors are expected to challenge for more podium finishes.
For Lawal, Umoafia and Didih, however, their names are already firmly etched into Commonwealth Games history.
Their record breaking performances not only delivered three gold medals but also reaffirmed Nigeria’s position among the leading weightlifting nations in the Commonwealth.
As the Games continue, their remarkable achievements will stand as one of the defining moments of Nigeria’s campaign, proving once again that the country’s athletes possess the talent, determination and resilience needed to compete successfully against the very best in international sport.
