Nigerian Para-Powerlifter Riluwan Idris Becomes 'Millionaire' After Commonwealth Games Gold

Team Nigeria launched its Commonwealth Games campaign with a strong showing in para-powerlifting, clinching three gold and three silver medals.

While officials had projected 16 gold medals for the team, the para-powerlifters surpassed expectations. Roland Ezuruike, initially expected to secure a gold medal, earned silver after a miscalculation on his second lift, which could have been a world record. England's Mark Swan took the gold in that event.

However, National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade rallied Riluwan Idris, the final lifter in the men's heavyweight category. Idris, not initially slated for gold, was promised a doubled bonus of $10,000 if he won, on top of the government's $5,000 prize.

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They psyched him up, telling him that he can deliver the gold. Instead of the $5,000 bonus for gold medal winner, both men promised to double it to $10,000 if he made good his promise.

Motivated by the potential $15,000, which translated to over 21 million Naira, Idris aimed high. While others lifted below 200kg, Idris began with 200kg and progressed to 208kg. His attempts at 212kg were unsuccessful, but his performance was enough. India's Sudhir, the previous gold medalist, started at 182kg and failed at 211kg. Ghana's Tahiru Haruna also failed in his bid to lift 218kg.

Ultimately, Idris topped the competition with 132.8 coefficient points, securing the gold medal. England's Matthew Harding took silver with 131.0 points, and Malaysia's Nicodemus Manggoi Moses earned bronze with 120.3 points. Idris's unexpected triumph underscored the athletes' resilience and the impact of strategic motivation.

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Idris was already seeing himself as a millionaire with $15,000 at black market rate translating to N21milllion in his bank account.