Team Nigeria made a powerful statement at the start of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, winning six medals on the opening day to sit second on the medals table.
The impressive haul featured three gold and three silver medals, with para powerlifting providing all of Nigeria’s success.
Veteran lifter Roland Ezuruike opened Nigeria’s medal account with a silver medal in the men’s lightweight para powerlifting event after producing a 185kg lift.
The 50-year-old’s performance set the tone for a memorable day for the West African nation.
Esther Nworgu then secured Nigeria’s first gold medal of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, setting a new Commonwealth Games record with a 123kg lift in the women’s lightweight category.
Her teammate Esther Oyema completed a Nigerian one-two finish by claiming silver with a 115.5kg lift.
The biggest moment came from Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who delivered a world-record performance in the women’s heavyweight event.
Her incredible 175kg lift earned her gold, while Rita Ferdinand followed with silver after matching the previous world record with a 158kg lift.
Nigeria’s dominance continued when Riluwan Idris captured the men’s heavyweight para powerlifting gold medal with a 208kg lift.
Competing at a body weight of 86kg, Idris produced a winning performance to complete Nigeria’s three-gold medal opening day.
The six-medal performance places Team Nigeria behind only Australia on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games medal table.
Idris’ gold medal victory saw him defeat England’s Matthew Harding, who settled for silver after lifting 199kg, while Malaysia’s Nicodemus Moses claimed bronze.
Nigeria’s strong start was also accompanied by action in other events, including the men’s 3×3 basketball competition.
However, the Nigerian team suffered a 21-15 defeat to Australia in their second group match but remain in contention for a semifinal spot after an earlier win over the Cayman Islands.
With more events still to come, Team Nigeria will look to build on its remarkable opening day and continue its medal charge at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.