Post by Sports World (@sportsworld)
Nigeria tops early medal table and emerged as the main story of the opening day at Glasgow 2026 as a remarkable Para powerlifting performance by our stars delivered Commonwealth Games records, world records and one of the closest finishes in recent Games history.
The first Commonwealth champion of the Games was England's Mark Swan, but only by the finest of margins. Swan and Nigeria's Roland Ezuruike both finished on 153.9 points in the men's lightweight competition, with Swan taking gold after his score proved superior to two decimal places.
For Ezuruike, it was a heartbreaking near miss. The 50-year-old came within touching distance of reclaiming the Commonwealth title he won at Gold Coast 2018, while Malaysia's defending champion Bonnie Bunyau Gustin completed the podium despite lifting 220kg.
The women's lightweight event also belonged to Nigeria. Esther Nworgu and Esther Oyema claimed gold and silver respectively, with Nworgu breaking the Commonwealth Games record twice on her way to the title. Oyema returned to the Commonwealth podium eight years after winning gold and setting a world record at Gold Coast 2018, completing a memorable Nigerian one-two.
The Nigerian charge continued in the women's heavyweight competition. Folashade Oluwafemiayo broke the +86kg world record twice, finishing with a best lift of 175kg to secure Nigeria's second gold of the day. Compatriot Rita Ferdinand claimed silver after setting a world record of 158kg in the +79kg category, while Australia's Hani Watson took bronze.
The results also provided an immediate showcase for Commonwealth Sport's GAPS programme. Nworgu, Oyema and Ferdinand have all attended GAPS camps, with Nworgu and Ferdinand taking part in the pre-Games camp in Ayr. Oluwafemiayo has also previously attended a GAPS camp. Their success offered a powerful example of athletes supported by the programme delivering on the Commonwealth Games stage.
Congratulations! 💚🤍💚
#Glascow2026 #Sports #Athletics #NaijaPride
https://youtu.be/xmc0HJHJ5yA?si=qNtvv7GHRT81x15h
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