Esther Nworgu has credited Nigeria’s investment in para powerlifting after delivering the country’s first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a record-breaking performance in Glasgow, Boldsports report.
The Nigerian para powerlifter produced a remarkable display in the women’s lightweight event, breaking the Commonwealth Games record twice before finishing with a 123kg lift worth 119 points. Her performance secured gold ahead of compatriot Esther Oyema, who claimed silver, giving Team Nigeria a memorable one-two finish.
Nworgu arrived in Glasgow in strong form after winning silver in the women’s 49kg event at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. She has now added a Commonwealth Games title to her growing list of achievements while helping Nigeria climb to second on the medal table after the opening day with three gold and three silver medals, all from para powerlifting.
Reflecting on her victory, Nworgu said the result justified the confidence and financial backing she received before the Games.
”I feel so, so excited. A lot of work was put into this. A lot of finances by the government were put into this, and I had to fight and make sure that all their struggles—the government’s struggles, all their struggles, and you know, the finances that they pumped into this particular competition—were not in vain.”
She also explained that qualifying for the Commonwealth Games demanded months of hard work because only athletes who met the required qualification points earned a place in Glasgow.
”I give my best. I put my all into it because the Commonwealth Games is a game that… it’s not like the normal regular games… It’s not everybody that went for the qualification that is here today. Many of them dropped because their points couldn’t get to, you know, the qualification.”
The victory became even more significant as veteran Esther Oyema secured silver behind Nworgu, ensuring both medals stayed in Nigeria.
Nworgu described the experienced para powerlifting star as one of her biggest inspirations and said sharing the podium with the multiple-time champion made the achievement even more emotional.
”She was my big motivation… these our legends, when they are going, they are grooming the younger ones to come replace them.”
She added that seeing both Nigerian athletes on the podium was a proud moment for the team.
”We came for the medals, and we did it. We harvested them.”
Nworgu revealed that her celebrations began the moment the Nigerian flag was raised after her victory. She also confirmed she received the promised $5,000 incentive immediately after winning gold.
Despite the historic achievement, the Commonwealth champion said her attention has already shifted to future goals, including surpassing the 131kg mark previously set by Oyema in her weight category.
”I have a lot to do to make sure that I get to 131.”
The gold medal formed part of an outstanding opening day for Team Nigeria, with Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Riluwan Idris also winning gold, while Roland Ezuruike, Esther Oyema and Rita Ferdinand claimed silver as Nigeria finished Day One second on the Glasgow 2026 medal table.
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