Roland Ezuruike has delivered another memorable performance for Team Nigeria, winning the country's first medal in the men's lightweight para-powerlifting event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The 50-year-old claimed silver after a gripping contest, adding another major international medal to an illustrious career that has made him one of Nigeria's most accomplished para-powerlifters.
Ezuruike came within touching distance of another Commonwealth title after lifting an impressive 187kg, almost four times his body weight on his second attempt. The lift earned him 153.9 points, leaving him level with England's Mike Swan in the battle for gold heading into the decisive final attempt.
The contest remained finely balanced until the very end when both Ezuruike and Swan were unsuccessful with their final lifts, but Ezuruike's attempt was ruled a foul, leaving him to settle for the silver medal while Swan claimed gold. Malaysia's Bonnie Gustin completed the podium with the bronze medal.
Although he narrowly missed adding another Commonwealth title to his collection, the silver medal further cements Ezuruike's remarkable legacy. He won gold in the same event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia, and earlier captured Paralympic gold in the men's 54kg powerlifting event at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Nigeria was also represented in the men's lightweight para-powerlifting event by Ibrahim Dauda, who finished fifth after a determined performance.
Ezuruike's latest podium finish is another reminder of the remarkable consistency that has defined his career. More than a decade after conquering the Paralympic stage and years after standing atop the Commonwealth podium, the veteran has once again delivered for Nigeria, adding another memorable chapter to the country's proud history in international para-powerlifting.
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