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Team Nigeria continued their impressive start to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday as defending champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo claimed the country’s second gold medal in para powerlifting, setting a new world record, while compatriot Rita Ferdinand settled for silver after also recording a world record.
The latest feat was revealed in an update from the National Sports Commission (NSC), which described the opening day of the Games as a golden outing for Team Nigeria after another dominant display from the country’s Para powerlifters. Project reports
Oluwafemiayo, one of Nigeria’s most decorated Paralympic athletes, successfully defended her Commonwealth Games title with a remarkable world record of 134.8 points, reaffirming her status as one of the best Paralympic powerlifters in the world.
Oluwafemiayo extends dominance
The multiple Paralympic, World and Commonwealth champion once again demonstrated why she is considered a global force in para powerlifting, overpowering a strong field of competitors to secure another gold medal for Nigeria.
Her record-breaking performances have further cemented her legacy in the sport, adding another milestone to an already glittering career that has seen her dominate major international championships over the past decade.
The latest triumph also underlined Nigeria’s enduring strength in para powerlifting, a discipline that has consistently delivered medals to the country at the Paralympic Games, World Championships, African Championships and Commonwealth Games.
Oluwafemiayo’s victory came amid loud celebrations from Nigerian officials and teammates, who hailed his consistency and determination on the international stage.
Ferdinand claims silver with another world record
Nigeria completed a memorable outing in the event as reigning world champion Rita Ferdinand secured the silver medal with 128.2 points, another world record.
Although she finished behind her compatriot, Ferdinand’s performance highlighted the considerable depth of Nigeria’s para powerlifting team, with two Nigerian athletes producing world-record performances in the same competition.
The silver medal marked another significant achievement for Ferdinand, who continued to establish himself among the world’s elite Paralympic powerlifters.
The double further strengthened Nigeria’s position in the Commonwealth Games medal table and bolstered the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in para powerlifting.
Nigeria’s medal count is growing
The latest medals add to what has already been a memorable opening day for Team Nigeria in Glasgow.
Last Friday, Esther Nworgu won Nigeria’s first gold medal after triumphing in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event, while veteran athlete Esther Oyema clinched the bronze medal in the same category.
Roland Ezuruike had already opened Nigeria’s medal account by winning silver in the lightweight Group A men’s para powerlifting competition.
With Oluwafemiayo’s gold and Ferdinand’s silver, Team Nigeria’s para powerlifting contingent once again lived up to expectations by delivering the country’s majority of medals on the opening day.
Para powerlifting remains Nigeria’s strength
Nigeria has enjoyed sustained success in para powerlifting over the years, producing Paralympic champions, world champions and Commonwealth Games medalists.
Athletes such as Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Esther Oyema and Roland Ezuruike have consistently flown the country’s flag with distinction, making para powerlifting one of Nigeria’s most reliable sources of medals in international competitions.
The National Sports Commission has repeatedly identified the sport as one of the nation’s strongest events and has continued to support athletes through improved funding, international visibility and performance-based incentives.
Glasgow’s impressive performances appear to justify that investment, with Nigerian athletes once again dominating the competition.
Eyes on other medals
With momentum firmly on its side, Team Nigeria will head into Saturday’s events with renewed confidence as athletes compete in multiple para powerlifting, boxing and other sports disciplines.
Officials remain optimistic that the country’s medal haul will continue to grow, particularly with several experienced athletes still expected to compete in the coming days.
The National Sports Commission has expressed confidence that the medal drive witnessed on the opening day will continue throughout the championship as Team Nigeria chases more podiums.
After an outstanding first day which has already produced two gold, two silver and one bronze medals, Nigeria have made a strong statement at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and will hope to sustain the momentum as the competition enters its second day.
