Nigeria has opened its medal account at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after Paralympic champion Roland Ezuruike claimed silver in the men’s lightweight para powerlifting event, Trybal News reports.
Competing at the SEC Armadillo, Ezuruike successfully lifted 153.9kg, equalling England’s Mark Swan. However, Swan was awarded the gold medal on countback, while Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin secured bronze with a lift of 153.5kg.
The silver medal marks Nigeria’s first podium finish of the Games and provides an encouraging start as Team Nigeria aims to meet the National Sports Commission’s target of winning between 16 and 20 gold medals.
Fellow Nigerian Ibrahim Dauda also impressed in the same event, finishing fifth after lifting 140.1kg in a competitive field.
Reacting after the competition, Ezuruike expressed satisfaction at helping Nigeria get off the mark in Glasgow.
I’m delighted to win Nigeria’s first medal at these Games. My objective is always to make my country proud whenever I compete. Naturally, I wanted the gold, but this silver is a positive way to begin, and I’m confident more medals will come for Team Nigeria.”
An emotional Ezuruike acknowledged the cheers from Nigerian supporters after his final lift, with teammates and officials applauding a performance that once again demonstrated Nigeria’s pedigree in para powerlifting.
Team Nigeria arrived in Glasgow with a delegation of 74 athletes competing in 10 sports. Ezuruike’s silver becomes the nation’s first medal of the Games, adding to Nigeria’s rich Commonwealth Games history as the team looks to build momentum in the days ahead.
