Team Nigeria made an impressive start to its para powerlifting campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, collecting one gold and two silver medals as Esther Nworgu shattered the Games record, Esther Oyema secured silver in the women’s lightweight category, and Roland Ezuruike also claimed silver in the men’s Lightweight Group A event.
Nworgu powered Nigeria to its first gold medal of the Games with a record-breaking display in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting competition.
She amassed 119.0 points to set a new Commonwealth Games record, finishing comfortably ahead of the rest of the field.
The outstanding performance further cemented Nigeria’s status as a dominant force in international para powerlifting.
Nigeria also celebrated a one-two finish in the women’s lightweight event after veteran lifter Esther Oyema earned the silver medal with a total of 115.0+ points, completing a memorable outing for the country.
Earlier in the competition, Ezuruike had opened Team Nigeria’s medal account by winning silver in the men’s Lightweight Group A para powerlifting event.
The seasoned lifter produced an impressive performance throughout the contest and came within touching distance of the gold before eventually settling for second place.
The trio’s achievements handed Nigeria an early tally of one gold and two silver medals in Glasgow, providing a significant boost to the country’s overall campaign while once again showcasing the strength of its para powerlifting programme on the global stage.
For Nworgu, the gold medal and Games-record lift marked another landmark achievement in her career, further reinforcing her place among the world’s leading para powerlifters.
Oyema, a multiple-time international medallist, continued her remarkable consistency by adding yet another major medal to her collection, while Ezuruike’s silver medal highlighted the experience and determination that have defined his career.
With several events still ahead, Team Nigeria will be aiming to build on the momentum generated by its para powerlifters as it pursues more medals during the remainder of the Commonwealth Games.
