Images: Nigerian Para Powerlifters Claim Medals at Commonwealth Games, Receive N27m Reward

n n

Nigeria’s para powerlifting team has earned $18,000 (about ₦27.5 million) in performance rewards after an impressive medal-winning start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

n

The National Sports Commission had announced cash rewards for medallists before the team’s strong outing, led by Esther Nworgu, who won Nigeria’s first gold medal of the Games.

n

In photos and clips from the live event on Friday, the participants were honoured with cash gifts from the NSC team.

n

Nworgu claimed the women’s lightweight para powerlifting title after delivering a Games record-breaking performance of 119.0 points, finishing ahead of compatriot Esther Oyema, who secured silver with 115.5 points, while England’s Olivia Broome won bronze with 106.6 points.

n

The gold medal adds to Nworgu’s growing list of achievements after winning silver at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

n

With the victory, Nworgu received an instant reward of $3,000 and an additional $5,000, bringing her total reward to $8,000.

n

Oyema, a multiple-time international medallist, received $5,000 after earning silver, made up of a $2,000 instant reward and an additional $3,000.

n

In the men’s lightweight category, veteran Roland Ezuruike won Nigeria’s first medal of the Games after claiming silver with 153.9 points.

n

The 50-year-old narrowly missed the gold medal after failing his final lift, allowing England’s Mark Swan to win on a tiebreak despite both athletes posting the same points. Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin settled for bronze.

n

Ezuruike also received $5,000 in performance rewards from the National Sports Commission.

n

In total, the three medallists have earned $18,000 in prize money.

n

Nigeria’s impressive start further reinforces the country’s dominance in para powerlifting at major international competitions.

n

Team Nigeria will be hoping to add to its medal haul in the coming days, with reigning world champion Folasade Oluwafemiayo and other Nigerian para powerlifters still scheduled to compete.

n

Team Nigeria’s athletes are competing for substantial financial incentives offered by the NSC, which has pledged cumulative cash rewards of $8,000 for gold, $5,000 for silver, and $3,000 for bronze medalists at Glasgow 2026.

n

PUNCH Online had reported that Nigeria has officially unveiled the athletes who will represent the country at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as competition gets underway in Scotland.

n

The Nigerian contingent will compete across several sporting events, with athletes aiming to deliver strong performances and add to the country’s rich history at the Commonwealth Games.

n

As the Games begin, Team Nigeria carries the hopes of millions of Nigerians, with expectations high for medal-winning performances in various disciplines.

n

The team features a blend of experienced competitors and emerging talents who have earned their places through impressive performances in national and international competitions.

n

According to a post obtained from the National Sports Commission’s X handle on Friday, officials expressed confidence in the athletes’ preparation, urging Nigerians to rally behind the team throughout the competition.

n n