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Team Nigeria’s remarkable start to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games reached even greater heights on Friday as Folashade Oluwafemiayo produced another record-breaking masterpiece, leading a sensational Nigerian double in the women’s heavyweight para powerlifting event at the SEC Armadillo.
Just hours after Nigeria celebrated gold and silver in the women’s lightweight category, the nation’s para powerlifting stars returned to center stage, leaving the packed arena spellbound with a performance that reaffirmed Nigeria’s status as one of the world’s undisputed powers in the sport.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo successfully defended her dominance by lifting a staggering 134.8kg, shattering the world record and winning an emphatic gold medal.
While the celebrations were still underway, fellow Nigerian Rita Ferdinand delivered another astonishing performance, lifting 128.2kg to secure the silver medal. Amazingly, his lift also surpassed the previous world record, capping a breathtaking Nigerian surge into the top two positions.
Australian Hani Watson took the bronze medal with 111.5kg, while England’s Louise Sugden came fourth with 106.5kg. England’s Doaa Shayea placed fifth with 93.3kg, while India’s Kasthuri Rajamani failed to register a successful lift.
The incredible result marks Nigeria’s second double of the day in para powerlifting after Esther Nworgu and Esther Oyema had earlier won gold and silver respectively in the women’s lightweight event. Combined with Roland Ezuruike’s silver medal in the men’s lightweight category, Team Nigeria have now produced one of the most dominant opening day performances by any nation at the Games.
Sports247, reporting from Glasgow, witnessed emotional celebrations inside the SEC Armadillo as Nigerian athletes, coaches and supporters exploded with joy after Oluwafemiayo’s record lift. The atmosphere became even more electric when Rita Ferdinand secured silver, ensuring another Nigerian double and sending waves of celebration into the arena.
For Oluwafemiayo, the latest triumph further cements her reputation as one of Nigeria’s greatest Paralympic athletes, while Rita Ferdinand announced herself on the Commonwealth stage with a stunning performance that promises even greater things to come.
The impressive performances also gave Team Nigeria an early boost in its bid to surpass the National Sports Commission’s target of 16-20 gold medals, with several medal events still to be contested in athletics, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting and other sports.
Women’s heavyweight para powerlifting results
Folashade Oluwafemiayo (Nigeria) – 134.8 kg (world record)
Rita Ferdinand (Nigeria) – 128.2 kg (world record)
Hani Watson (Australia) – 111.5 kg
