Team Nigeria made an emphatic start to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday, with captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo shattering the world record en route to gold as Nigeria secured five para powerlifting medals on the opening day, strengthening the National Sports Commission’s ambition of winning between 16 and 20 gold medals.
Nigeria finished the first day of competition in second place on the medals table after an impressive showing led by Oluwafemiayo’s record-breaking performance in the women’s heavyweight para powerlifting event.
At the time this report was filed, Team Nigeria had amassed two gold and three silver medals, all from para powerlifting, placing them behind Australia, who led with four gold, two silver and four bronze medals. Hosts Scotland occupied third place with two gold and two silver medals.
Para powerlifting once again proved to be Nigeria’s strongest medal event, accounting for all five podium finishes.
Oluwafemiayo delivered the standout moment of the day at the SEC Armadillo, lifting 134.8kg to set a new world record while successfully defending her Commonwealth title in the women’s heavyweight category.
Her compatriot Rita Ferdinand completed a Nigerian one-two finish by claiming silver with a lift of 128.2kg, a performance that also surpassed the previous world record. Australia’s Hani Watson claimed bronze with 111.5kg, while England’s Louise Sugden (106.5kg) and Doaa Shayea (93.3kg) finished behind her. India’s Kasthuri Rajamani failed to register a valid lift.
Earlier, Nigeria had celebrated its first gold medal of the Games after Esther Nworgu dominated the women’s lightweight event.
The 24-year-old, who won silver at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, broke the Commonwealth Games record twice within 10 minutes before sealing victory with a final lift of 123kg, earning 119 points.
Nigeria also secured silver in the event through Esther Oyema, who recorded 115.5 points, while England’s Olivia Broome settled for bronze with 106.6 points.
The country’s first medal of the Games came courtesy of experienced para powerlifter Roland Ezuruike in the men’s lightweight competition.
The 50-year-old finished with silver after posting 153.9 points. He narrowly missed out on gold following an unsuccessful final lift, allowing England’s Mark Swan to take the title on countback after both athletes ended with the same points total. Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin finished with bronze.
Nigeria also enjoyed success outside para powerlifting.
The country recorded its maiden Commonwealth Games victory in the 3×3 basketball event after defeating the Cayman Islands 21-17 in its opening Pool A fixture. The Nigerian side reached the winning score with one minute and 36 seconds remaining, while National Sports Commission Director-General Bukola Olopade joined the team in celebrating the historic triumph.
“This is the kind of start we were hoping for. Congratulations to the team for their fighting spirit and determination. Enjoy this victory, but stay focused because the journey has only just begun. Nigeria believes in you, and we are confident you can achieve even greater success at these Games,” Olopade said.
Elsewhere, it was a mixed day for Team Nigeria.
Swimmer Clinton Opute placed sixth in his heat of the men’s 200m individual medley, clocking 2:15.40, a time that was not enough to qualify for the next round.
In boxing, Ayomide Foly Hassan exited the men’s 70kg competition after suffering a 4-0 Round of 32 defeat to Lesotho’s Refiloe Thai.
The opening-day medal winners have already benefited from the National Sports Commission’s revised athlete reward scheme, sharing a total of $18,000. Under the policy, gold medallists receive $8,000, silver medallists earn $5,000, while bronze medallists are rewarded with $3,000.
Represented by 74 athletes competing in 10 sports, Team Nigeria will resume action on Saturday aiming to extend its strong start.
The men’s 3×3 basketball team faces Australia, while Nigerian athletes are also scheduled to compete in boxing and swimming as the National Sports Commission continues its push towards a target of 16 to 20 gold medals.
Nigeria’s boxing team remains one of the country’s most successful Commonwealth Games contingents, having won more than 30 medals since the nation first competed in 1950. At the Birmingham 2022 Games, Nigerian boxers claimed four medals, including a silver won by Elizabeth Oshoba.
