Veteran Nigerian para-powerlifter Roland Ezuruike gave Team Nigeria its first medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, claiming a hard-fought silver medal in the men’s Lightweight Group A event at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow.
The 50-year-old delivered another outstanding performance on Friday, recording 153.9 points across two successful lifts. Ezuruike finished level with England’s Mark Swan, but the Englishman was awarded the gold medal on countback, leaving the Nigerian to settle for silver. Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin completed the podium with the bronze medal after posting 153.5 points.
Ezuruike came within touching distance of winning gold, attempting a Commonwealth Games record 190kg lift on his final attempt. Although he was unable to complete the lift, his performance reaffirmed his place among the world’s elite para powerlifters.
The silver medal marked an encouraging start to Nigeria’s campaign in Glasgow, with the country’s para powerlifting team once again demonstrating why it remains one of the strongest in international competition. Team Nigeria went on to enjoy further success as Esther Nworgu captured gold in the women’s lightweight category, while Esther Oyema secured silver to cap a memorable opening day.
A Rio 2016 Paralympic champion and 2018 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Ezuruike showcased his vast experience by lifting nearly four times his body weight during the competition. His consistency and longevity continue to make him one of Nigeria’s most decorated para-athletes.
Fellow Nigerian Ibrahim Dauda also produced a respectable performance, finishing fifth in the event with 140.1 points.
In recognition of his achievement, the National Sports Commission (NSC) immediately rewarded Ezuruike with a $2,000 cash bonus under its enhanced athlete incentive programme. Additional performance bonuses increased his total reward to $4,000.
Reacting after the event, the veteran expressed pride in opening Nigeria’s medal account at the Games.
“I’m grateful to have won Nigeria’s first medal at these Games. Every time I step onto the platform, my goal is to make my country proud. Of course, every athlete wants gold, but this silver is a good way for us to begin, and I believe more medals will follow for Team Nigeria,” Ezuruike said.
Nigeria arrived at the 2026 Commonwealth Games targeting between 16 and 20 gold medals, with para-powerlifting expected to play a major role in achieving that ambition. The team’s dominant opening-day performances have already strengthened hopes of another successful outing on the international stage.
With competition continuing across swimming, basketball, athletics, and more para powerlifting events, Ezuruike’s silver medal has provided the perfect foundation for Team Nigeria as it looks to build momentum and climb the medals table in Glasgow.
