Team Nigeria enjoyed a successful start to its para powerlifting campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday, winning one gold and two silver medals, with Esther Nworgu setting a new Games record in the women’s lightweight event.
Nworgu claimed Nigeria’s first gold medal of the Games after producing a commanding performance to record 119.0 points, setting a new Commonwealth Games record in the process.
Her record-breaking effort secured top spot ahead of compatriot Esther Oyema, who won the silver medal with a total of 115.0 points to complete a one-two finish for Nigeria in the women’s lightweight category.
Earlier, Roland Ezuruike had opened Nigeria’s medal account at the Games by claiming silver in the men’s Lightweight Group A para powerlifting event.
The experienced para powerlifter delivered a strong performance throughout the competition and came close to securing the gold medal before settling for second place.
Nigeria’s haul of one gold and two silver medals provided an early boost to the country’s campaign in Glasgow and underlined its continued strength in para powerlifting on the international stage.
Nworgu’s victory adds another milestone to her career, with her Games-record performance further cementing her status among the world’s leading para powerlifters.
Oyema, a multiple-time international medallist, continued her consistent run of success by adding another major medal to her collection, while Ezuruike’s podium finish highlighted his experience and resilience on the Commonwealth stage.
Team Nigeria will now look to build on the strong start by its para powerlifting team as competition continues across the remainder of the Games.
