Commonwealth Games: Captain Oluwafemiayo smashes world record as Nigeria dominates opening day

Team Nigeria launched a powerful campaign on the opening day of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, securing a remarkable five medals in para powerlifting, led by captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo's world record-breaking performance. The country's strong showing placed it second on the overall medals table behind Australia after the first day of competition.

Oluwafemiayo set the tone by smashing the world record in the Women's heavyweight para-powerlifting event with a lift of 134.8kg, successfully defending her title. Her compatriot, Rita Ferdinand, secured the silver medal with a lift of 128.2kg, which also surpassed the previous world record, completing a dominant one-two finish for Nigeria in the category.

Earlier, 24-year-old Esther Nworgu claimed Nigeria's first gold medal of the Games in the women's lightweight category. She set a Games record twice within ten minutes, ultimately winning with a lift of 123kg for 119 points. Nworgu, a silver medalist at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games, finished ahead of fellow Nigerian Esther Oyema, who took silver with 115.5 points.

In the men's lightweight category, veteran Roland Ezuruike secured Nigeria's first medal overall, a silver, with 153.9 points. He narrowly missed gold on a failed final lift, with England's Mark Swan taking the title on a tiebreak.

Nigeria's success extended beyond para powerlifting, as the team also achieved its first-ever victory in 3x3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games, marking a historic moment for the discipline.