• NSC Doles Out $5,000 For Gold, $2,000 For Silver

It was dollar rain for Team Nigeria athletes on Friday following a successful outing on first day of action at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

Nigeria secured a memorable one-two finish in both the women’s heavyweight and lightweight para powerlifting competition.

Team Nigeria’s captain, Oluwafemiayo Folashade led by example in her weight category by winning gold and setting two New World Records within ten minutes. She lifted 172 kg and 175kg respectively to set the two New records after ealier setting a New Commonwealth Games Record (165 kg) in her first attemp..

Rita Ferdinard also set a New World Record with a lift of 158k in her third attempt. She got the silver medal for Nigeria.

It was also one-two for Team Nigeria in the women’s lightweight category with Esther Nworgu winnin gold, and compatriot Esther Oyema taking silver at SEC Armadillo on Friday.

Nworgu produced a best lift of 124kg to finish top of the standings with 119.0 points. She set a New Commonwealth Games Record in the process.

On her part, Oyema lifted 127kg in her third attempt to claim silver with 115.5 points.

England’s Olivia Broome completed the podium with 106.6 points.

The result gave Nigeria another impressive double podium finish in para powerlifting at Glasgow 2026, following Roland Ezuruike’s silver medal in the men’s lightweight event earlier on Friday.

Nworgu and Oyema’s outstanding performances further strengthen Team Nigeria’s medal campaign at the Commonwealth Games.

While Nworgu got $5,000 instantly for the gold medal, the duo of Oyema and Ezuruike received $2,000 respectively.

Presenting the cash reward to the athletes, the chairman of the National Sports Commission (NSC) and Director General, Bukola Olopade showered praises on the athletes for their resilience, just as they promised that other athletes will be given same treatment.

As at Friday evening, Team Nigeria was expecting two more gold and a silver medal in the para weightlifting event.

Meanwhile, 3×3 Basketball Team made history with first ever win in their first game Commonwealth Games on Friday.

Nigeria secured a hard-fought 21-17 win over the Cayman Islands. Esosa Okundaye and Ikechukwu “Ike” Nwamu led the Nigerian scoring with six points apiece as the team displayed composure and resilience to secure the landmark victory.

Reacting after the game, Nwamu described the victory as the reward for months of quality preparation.

“It was a great match. We fought hard and our preparations paid off as we won Nigeria’s first game in 3×3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games.”

“We are now getting ready for the next two games. Playing for Nigeria means a lot to me, and every opportunity I have to represent my country means everything.”

“We thank the National Sports Commission for allowing us to prepare properly. We trained with the Netherlands national team, who won the gold medal in 3×3 basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and that preparation really helped us.”

Nigeria returns to action later on Friday against Australia before rounding off the group stage against New Zealand.

There was, however, disappointment in the boxing ring as Ayomide Foly Hassan bowed out in the Round of 32 after a closely contested bout against Refiloe Thai. Hassan believed he had done enough to earn victory and appeared set to be announced as the winner before the judges awarded the contest to his opponent.