Nigeria’s Esther Nworgu produced a sensational performance to claim the country’s first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, setting a new Games record in the women’s para powerlifting lightweight event.
The 24-year-old dominated the competition on Friday, lifting an outstanding 123kg to score 119 points with her final successful attempt. The remarkable lifter secured the gold medal after she had already broken the Commonwealth Games record earlier in the event with a 118 kg lift worth 114.1 points.
Nworgu’s record-breaking display highlighted Nigeria’s continued dominance in para powerlifting, one of the nation’s most successful sports on the international stage.
Team Nigeria celebrated a memorable one-two finish as Esther Oyema claimed the silver medal, while England’s Olivia Broome settled for bronze.
The triumph marks another significant milestone in Nworgu’s career. The reigning Paris 2024 Paralympic silver medallist was making her Commonwealth Games debut and wasted no time announcing herself with a commanding performance in Glasgow.
Her gold medal followed another impressive result for Team Nigeria after experienced para powerlifter Roland Ezuruike secured the country’s first medal of the Games with silver in the men’s lightweight event. The strong performances have propelled Nigeria towards the top of the early medals table, thanks largely to its formidable para powerlifting contingent.
Nworgu’s achievement was immediately rewarded by the National Sports Commission under its enhanced athlete welfare initiative. She received $5,000 at the competition venue, with another $5,000 deposited directly into her account, bringing her total reward for the gold medal to $10,000.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking place from July 23 to August 2, has provided Nigeria’s para-athletes with an early opportunity to showcase their talent, and Nworgu has certainly risen to the occasion.
Her record-breaking victory not only gives Team Nigeria its first gold medal of the Games but also reinforces the country’s reputation as a global powerhouse in para powerlifting, a sport that has consistently delivered medals at the Paralympic Games, World Championships, and other major international competitions.
With Nigeria competing across 10 sports in Glasgow, Nworgu’s success provides the perfect platform for the rest of Team Nigeria as they aim to add more medals in the days ahead.
