The 2026 Commonwealth Games began on July 23 in Glasgow, Scotland. Around 3,000 athletes from 74 Commonwealth nations and territories are competing across 10 sports with Games running until August 2, with medals available in both able-bodied and para-sport events.
Just days into the competition, Team Nigeria has made an impressive start.
Nigeria is currently third on the medal table with three gold and three silver medals. All six medals have come from the country’s para powerlifting team.
The performance places Nigeria behind only Australia and England. It also keeps Team Nigeria among the leading nations in the early stages of the Games.
Better Start Than Birmingham 2022
Nigeria’s opening performance is stronger than it was at the same stage of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
At this point in Birmingham, Team Nigeria had not won three gold medals. The country was also lower on the medal table. In Glasgow, however, Nigeria has made an immediate impact through para powerlifting.
The strong start has raised hopes of an even better overall performance before more sports get underway.
Nigeria’s gold medals have been won by Esther Nworgu, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, and Riluwan Idris.
Silver medals have come from Roland Ezuruike, Esther Oyema, and Rita Ferdinand.
One of the standout moments came from Oluwafemiayo. She broke her own world record twice before lifting 175kg to secure another gold medal.
Eyes on a Record-Breaking Campaign
Nigeria enjoyed its best-ever Commonwealth Games performance in Birmingham 2022 as the team finished with 12 gold, 9 silver, and 14 bronze medals.
Before travelling to Glasgow, the National Sports Commission challenged Team Nigeria to surpass that achievement.
With athletics, boxing, swimming, and several other events still to come, the country has a strong opportunity to increase its medal tally. If the current momentum continues, Team Nigeria could be on course for another historic Commonwealth Games campaign.
