Winning gold means everything, says Commonwealth Games para powerlifting champion

Commonwealth Games gold medallist Esther Nworgu declared that winning the Women's Lightweight Para Powerlifting event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games "meant everything" to her. She achieved a Games record lift of 119.0kg, attributing her success to months of meticulous preparation and unwavering support from the National Sports Commission (NSC).

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We came here prepared, and the National Sports Commission did a lot. They spent a lot to get us here, and I personally had to put in my best to make sure we made Nigeria proud.

Speaking after her victory, Nworgu emphasized that every athlete on Team Nigeria arrived in Glasgow determined to justify the confidence placed in them. "We came here prepared, and the National Sports Commission did a lot. They spent a lot to get us here, and I personally had to put in my best to make sure we made Nigeria proud," she said, describing the Commonwealth Games as one of the toughest competitions in the sport.

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It is not easy. The Commonwealth Games are different because you have to give it your very best to achieve success.

Nworgu also credited veteran teammate Esther Oyema, who won silver in the same event, for inspiring the younger generation of Nigerian para powerlifters. The sight of her senior winning silver motivated her, making the gold and silver medals coming to Nigeria even more joyous. The celebration began the moment the Nigerian flag was raised and the national anthem played.

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Having my senior win the silver medal motivated us because when she was younger, they achieved a lot. It made me even happier because the gold and silver came to Nigeria and not to any other country.

A significant highlight for Nworgu was the immediate fulfillment of the NSC's pledge to reward medal-winning athletes. "I also thank the National Sports Commission for making its promise fulfilled immediately. I got my $5,000 almost immediately after winning my gold medal, and this has never happened before," she said. Nworgu's gold and Oyema's silver marked a memorable one-two finish for Nigeria in the event, setting the stage for a successful opening day for Team Nigeria, which secured further medals.

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I also thank the National Sports Commission for making its promise fulfilled immediately. I got my $5,000 almost immediately after winning my gold medal, and this has never happened before.