Nigeria's para powerlifting team wins Commonwealth Games medals, earns N27m

Nigeria's para powerlifting team has achieved significant success at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, earning multiple medals and substantial performance rewards.

Esther Nworgu claimed Nigeria's first gold medal of the Games, winning the women's lightweight para powerlifting title with a Games record-breaking performance of 119.0 points. Her compatriot, Esther Oyema, secured the silver medal with 115.5 points. In the men's lightweight category, veteran Roland Ezuruike won Nigeria's first medal of the Games, a silver, with 153.9 points.

Following their medal wins, the athletes were honored with cash gifts from the National Sports Commission (NSC). In total, the three medalists have earned $18,000 (approximately ₦27.5 million) in prize money. Nworgu received $8,000 for her gold medal, while Oyema and Ezuruike each received $5,000 for their silver medals.

This strong showing reinforces Nigeria's dominance in para powerlifting on the international stage. The team will aim to add to its medal haul, with other Nigerian para powerlifters, including world champion Folasade Oluwafemiayo, still scheduled to compete.