Nigeria’s weightlifters exceeded their Birmingham 2022 medal tally at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, earning three golds and a silver in a performance Nigeria Weightlifting Federation president Dr Ibrahim Abdul said underlined the team’s commitment, resilience and potential.
Nigeria’s medal haul
- Ruth Asuquo Nyong began Nigeria’s campaign by taking silver in the women’s 48kg category.
- Edidiong Joseph Umoafia followed with gold in the men’s 71kg class.
- Didih Omolola Onome added another gold in the women’s 53kg division.
- Rafiatu Folashade Lawal completed the gold-medal surge by winning the women’s 58kg event, giving Nigeria three golds on the same day.
The Glasgow return represented an improvement on Nigeria’s Birmingham record of two gold, one silver and three bronze medals.
Abdul described the result as a major achievement for the country, while stressing that the federation believes the athletes are capable of reaching even greater heights. He said the performances reflected the squad’s hard work and determination and offered encouragement for the long-term development of Nigerian weightlifting.
He particularly celebrated Umoafia, Didih and Lawal for producing three gold-medal performances within a single day. Abdul also credited Nyong with giving the team an important early lift by securing silver and establishing the foundation for the successful campaign.
He said the three champions delivered memorable displays that demonstrated the strength and character of Nigeria’s lifters, while Nyong deserved substantial recognition for setting the standard at the start of the competition.
Recognition for the full team
Abdul also acknowledged Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele, Mary Taiwo Osijo, Favour Agboro and Adedapo Opadeji, praising their courage in competing for Nigeria despite either failing to reach the medals or being unable to continue because of injury.
He said every athlete in the delegation merited appreciation, noting that national representation requires discipline, bravery and resolve, regardless of whether a medal is won.
Support behind the results
The federation president praised the coaching and technical staff, headed by Technical Director Sefiya Onubaye and High Chief Luke Ibeh, popularly known as the Miracle Coach. He also recognised Lawrence Iquaibom for carrying out duties as an International Weightlifting Federation official during the Games.
Abdul further credited the National Sports Commission, under chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and director general Hon. Bukola Olopade, for creating strong preparation conditions. The programme included training camps in Abuja and Aberdeen, Scotland, along with immediate cash incentives for athletes who won medals.
He said the camps played a crucial role in the team’s performance, while the prompt financial rewards raised morale and encouraged the lifters to exceed their perceived limits.
Focus on Los Angeles 2028
Abdul called on the NSC to maintain that preparation and reward structure as Nigeria looks towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He added that the federation would expand its search for young talent at grassroots level and start preparing earlier for upcoming international competitions in an effort to build on the achievements in Glasgow.
