Esther Nworgu gave Team Nigeria its first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow with a commanding display in the women's para powerlifting lightweight event.
Nworgu lifted 123kg to score 119 points, clinching the gold medal and setting two Commonwealth Games records in a remarkable outing. Her victory also earned her an instant cash reward of $3,000, while an additional $5,000 bonus promised by the Federal Government was paid directly into her account.
Nigeria completed a dominant one-two finish as Esther Oyema secured the silver medal. The Edo State-born London 2012 Paralympic gold medallist lifted 125kg to register 115.5 points, while England's Olivia Broome claimed bronze with a lift of 119kg and 106.6 points.
Oyema was also rewarded for her performance, receiving an instant $2,000 cash award and an additional $3,000 paid directly into her account by the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Away from the podium celebrations, Nigeria's boxing team experienced mixed fortunes. Ayomide Folly Hassan exited the men's 70kg event after losing 4-0 on points to Lesotho's Refiloe Thai in the round of 32 at the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) Centre. AbdulRamon AbdulWahab also bowed out, falling 5-0 on points to Uganda's Batte Nuhu in the men's 65kg preliminary bout.
Nigeria's boxing campaign, however, continues. Akintola David will face Tanzania's Changalawe Yusuf Lucasi in the men's 80kg preliminary bout, while Ajishola Kadijat, who received a bye, is set to meet Wales' Helen Jones in the women's 54kg round of 16 tomorrow.
Nigerian-British-born Patricia Mbata will begin her campaign on Tuesday against England's Smith Mary Kane in the women's 75kg quarter-final, while Orakwe Blessing is scheduled to make her Commonwealth Games debut against Australia's Pergoliti Lekeisha in the women's 70kg quarter-final.
Nworgu's record-breaking triumph has provided Team Nigeria with a golden breakthrough in Glasgow, setting the tone as the country's athletes continue their pursuit of more medals.
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