Esther Nworgu claimed Team Nigeria’s first gold medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday after producing a record-breaking performance in the women’s para powerlifting lightweight event.
The 24-year-old set a new Commonwealth Games record with her opening lift of 118kg, earning 114.1 points to take an early lead. Less than 10 minutes later, she bettered her own mark with a successful lift of 123kg, scoring 119 points to seal the gold medal.
In recognition of her achievement, the National Sports Commission (NSC) presented Nworgu with an immediate cash reward of $5,000 at the competition venue, while an additional $5,000 was paid directly into her account under the Commission’s enhanced athlete welfare and reward policy.
Nworgu’s victory marked a winning start for Team Nigeria’s para powerlifting campaign in Glasgow and set the tone for the country’s medal chase at the Games.
Hadizat Giwa