Nigeria’s medal campaign at the 2026 Commonwealth Games received a major boost as Esther Nworgu clinched the country’s first gold medal with a dominant display in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event.

Nworgu delivered a best lift of 123kg to score 119 points, finishing ahead of the field and leading a remarkable one-two finish for Team Nigeria.

Fellow Nigerian Esther Oyema claimed the silver medal after recording a best lift of 125kg, earning 115.5 points, while England’s Olivia Broome settled for bronze with a lift of 119kg and 106.6 points.

Nworgu also set two Commonwealth Games records during the competition, underlining her dominance and cementing her place among the standout performers at the Games.

The victory reinforces Nigeria’s long-standing reputation as a powerhouse in para powerlifting, one of the country’s most successful sports at major international competitions.

A Paralympic silver medallist, Nworgu produced a composed and technically impressive performance to outscore a highly competitive field, while the experienced Oyema added another major international medal to her distinguished career.

Earlier in the day, Roland Ezuruike won Nigeria’s first medal of the Games after claiming silver in the men’s lightweight event.

With Nworgu’s triumph, Team Nigeria ended the opening day of competition in Glasgow with three medals one gold and two silver.