Oyema, Ezuruike clinch silver on opening day

Team Nigeria experienced a surge of success on the opening day of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with Esther Oyema and Roland Ezuruike clinching silver medals in para powerlifting. The performances marked a strong start for the Nigerian contingent.

Esther Oyema, 44, earned her silver medal in the women’s lightweight category. She successfully lifted 125kg on her second attempt, securing 115.5 points. This performance resulted in a Nigerian one-two finish, as compatriot Esther Nworgu took gold. England's Olivia Broome claimed the bronze medal.

Earlier, Roland Ezuruike delivered Nigeria's first medal of the Games, securing silver in the Men’s Lightweight Group A category with a total of 153.9 points. The Paralympian narrowly missed out on gold, attempting a Games record lift of 190kg on his final effort but falling just short.

Both medallists benefited from the National Sports Commission’s enhanced performance-based reward policy. Oyema received an instant cash reward of $2,000 at the venue, plus an additional $3,000 directly into her account, totaling $5,000. Ezuruike was presented with an immediate $2,000 reward, combined with a $2,000 performance bonus, bringing his total payout to $4,000. This policy underscores President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to rewarding athletes.