Team Nigeria’s para powerlifting squad has once again demonstrated why it remains one of the country’s most reliable sources of international sporting success after securing an impressive haul of medals on the opening day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The Nigerian athletes produced outstanding performances that earned the country a gold medal and two silver medals while also receiving a total of $18,000, approximately ₦27.5 million, in performance rewards from the National Sports Commission (NSC). The financial rewards came as part of the commission’s incentive programme designed to motivate Nigerian athletes competing at the Games.
Leading the celebrations was Esther Nworgu, who delivered a remarkable performance to win Nigeria’s first gold medal of the competition.
Competing in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event, Nworgu produced a Games record score of 119.0 points, comfortably finishing ahead of fellow Nigerian Esther Oyema, who claimed the silver medal with 115.5 points. England’s Olivia Broome settled for the bronze medal after recording 106.6 points.
Nworgu’s victory further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the world’s elite para powerlifters.
The gold medal adds another major achievement to her impressive career following her silver medal-winning performance at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Known for her consistency, determination and technical excellence, Nworgu has steadily established herself as one of Nigeria’s brightest stars in para sports.
Her record-breaking display in Glasgow highlighted not only her physical strength but also her ability to perform under immense pressure on the international stage.
For her outstanding achievement, the National Sports Commission immediately presented her with a $3,000 gold medal reward, alongside an additional $5,000 performance bonus, bringing her total earnings to $8,000.
While Nworgu celebrated gold, veteran para powerlifter Esther Oyema once again proved why she remains one of Nigeria’s most decorated athletes.
The experienced lifter delivered another strong performance to secure the silver medal in the same event, extending a remarkable international career that has spanned more than a decade.
Oyema is one of the most successful para powerlifters in African history. She has won multiple Paralympic medals, world championship honours and Commonwealth Games titles, becoming an inspiration for young athletes across Nigeria.
Her latest podium finish once again demonstrated her resilience and ability to compete at the highest level despite the emergence of younger competitors.
Nigeria also celebrated another podium finish through experienced para powerlifter Roland Ezuruike, who narrowly missed out on winning gold in the men’s lightweight category.
Ezuruike produced an outstanding performance and finished level on 153.9 points with England’s Mark Swan, but the British athlete claimed the gold medal after winning on a tie-break based on technical scoring rules. Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin secured the bronze medal.
The result was heartbreaking for the Nigerian veteran, who came within touching distance of another Commonwealth Games title after failing on his final lift.
Nevertheless, his silver medal added to Nigeria’s growing medal tally and reinforced his status as one of the country’s most accomplished para powerlifters.
Ezuruike also received a $5,000 performance reward from the National Sports Commission in recognition of his achievement.
In total, the three Nigerian medallists earned $18,000, equivalent to about ₦27.5 million, highlighting the Federal Government’s renewed commitment to rewarding excellence in sports.
The incentive programme has been widely praised by athletes and sports administrators, who believe financial rewards serve as additional motivation for competitors striving to represent Nigeria successfully on the international stage.
Nigeria’s success in para powerlifting comes as no surprise.
Over the years, the country has built a formidable reputation as one of the world’s dominant forces in the sport. Nigerian para powerlifters have consistently won medals at the Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, World Championships and African Championships, producing several world record holders and Paralympic champions.
The current squad continues that proud tradition established by legends such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Paul Kehinde, Loveline Obiji, Bose Omolayo and Abdulazeez Ibrahim, whose achievements helped position Nigeria among the global leaders in para powerlifting.
With more para powerlifting events still to come in Glasgow, expectations remain high that Team Nigeria will add more medals to its growing collection.
The impressive opening-day performances have provided an early boost to Nigeria’s overall campaign and strengthened hopes of another successful Commonwealth Games outing.
For Esther Nworgu, Esther Oyema and Roland Ezuruike, their achievements represent more than personal triumphs. They are symbols of resilience, determination and the enduring excellence of Nigerian para athletes, whose remarkable performances continue to inspire millions of sports fans at home and abroad while reaffirming Nigeria’s status as a global powerhouse in para powerlifting.
