Nigeria's para powerlifters shine again at 2026 Commonwealth Games
Team Nigeria's para powerlifting team continued its remarkable run at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Friday, adding two more gold medals and a silver to the country's growing haul, with Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Riluwan Idris and Rita Ferdinand delivering another memorable day on the platform.
The latest success takes Nigeria's medal tally to six, with the nation's para powerlifters responsible for every podium finish so far. Earlier in the competition, Roland Ezuruike claimed silver in the men's lightweight Group A event, while Esther Nworgu secured Nigeria's first gold medal and Esther Oyema added a silver in the women's lightweight category.
Leading the charge once again was world champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who produced another breathtaking performance in the women's +86kg event. The Nigerian powerhouse broke the world record twice before sealing the gold medal with a stunning 175kg lift, finishing atop the standings with 134.8 points.
The victory further cements Oluwafemiayo's place among the greatest para powerlifters in the world, as she continues to rewrite the record books and dominate the heavyweight division.
There was more history for Team Nigeria as Rita Ferdinand delivered a world-record lift in the women's up to 79kg category. Ferdinand eclipsed the previous world mark of 154kg, set by China's Han Miayou, by lifting an incredible 158kg.
Although her record-breaking effort earned her the silver medal after finishing with 128.2 points, it was another landmark achievement that highlighted Nigeria's strength in the sport.
Riluwan Idris rounded off a spectacular day by capturing gold in the men's heavyweight event. The Nigerian lifted an impressive 208kg to secure the title, scoring 132.8 points despite competing at a body weight of just 86kg.
Idris edged England's Matthew Harding, who lifted 199kg for 131.0 points to settle for silver, while Malaysia's Nicodemus Moses claimed the bronze medal with 120.3 points.
With six medals already in the bag all won by its para powerlifting team Nigeria continues to establish itself as one of the standout nations at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
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