Four-time world champion and two-time Paralympic gold medallist Folashade Oluwafemiayo has been appointed captain of Team Nigeria for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, the National Sports Commission (NSC) confirmed on Saturday.
NSC Director General Bukola Olopade said the selection was made with intention and on merit.
“Folashade Oluwafemiayo is the ideal choice, having consistently shown exceptional professionalism, resilience, and excellence across her outstanding career,” Olopade said. “She is a multiple-gold medallist, a former world champion, and among Nigeria’s most decorated para athletes. Her leadership and winning drive will inspire every member of Team Nigeria.”
At a glance
- Folashade Oluwafemiayo named captain of Team Nigeria for the 2026 Commonwealth Games
- Games location: Glasgow, Scotland
- Commonwealth Games dates: July 23 to August 2, 2026
- Appointment announced by the National Sports Commission on Saturday
Oluwafemiayo, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading para power lifters, has built a career packed with Paralympic, World Championship and Commonwealth titles, alongside world-record performances.
At the 2021 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, she claimed gold and established a world record of 152.5kg. She then added Commonwealth Games gold in the heavyweight category at Birmingham 2022.
The decision also highlights the wider impact of Nigeria’s para athletes, who have repeatedly been among the nation’s most reliable sources of medals at the Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, African Games and World Championships.
Team Nigeria will travel to Glasgow with a mix of seasoned champions and emerging young prospects across different sports for the event, which runs from July 23 through August 2.
