By Arinzechi Chukwunonso
Team Nigeria enjoyed another spectacular day at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, claiming three weightlifting gold medals and booking several places in the 100 metres semi-finals to strengthen the country’s medal push.
Edidiong Joseph Umoafia opened the gold rush by winning the men’s 71kg event with a Commonwealth Games record total of 319kg, lifting a Games record 147kg in the snatch before adding 172kg in the clean and jerk. Samoa’s Joseph Tafi settled for silver with 314kg, while Nauru’s Elgin Moses claimed bronze with 310kg.
Onome Didih followed with another dominant display in the women’s 53kg category, smashing Commonwealth Games records in the snatch (93kg), clean and jerk (113kg) and total lift (206kg) to secure Nigeria’s fifth gold medal. India’s Gyaneshwari Yadav took silver with 199kg, while Canada’s Rebeka Groulx won bronze with 178kg.
Rounding off a remarkable evening, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal delivered Nigeria’s third weightlifting gold of the day in the women’s 58kg event. Lawal rewrote both the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records with lifts of 103kg in the snatch, 126kg in the clean and jerk and a total of 229kg, finishing 14kg clear of Canada’s Ann-Sophie Taschereau.
In line with its promise, the National Sports Commission rewarded each gold medallist with an instant $5,000 cash prize and an additional $5,000 performance bonus, paid directly into their accounts.
Nigeria also impressed on the athletics track as its sprinters progressed to the 100 metres semi-finals. Favour Ashe cruised to victory in his heat in 10.10 seconds, while Nicholas Fakorede qualified after finishing second in his heat with 10.21 seconds.
They will be joined by national record holder Kayinsola Ajayi, who received a bye into the semi-finals.
In the women’s event, 17-year-old Commonwealth Games debutant Miracle Ezechukwu announced herself with a commanding heat victory in 11.32 seconds to qualify automatically. Blessing Ogundiran and Rosemary Chukwuma also progressed, giving Nigeria three representatives in the women’s semi-finals.
It was, however, a disappointing outing for Sade Olatoye in the women’s hammer throw, as she finished 10th in Group A with a best throw of 62.75 metres after recording two fouls.
With six gold medals now on the board and more medal opportunities ahead, Team Nigeria continues its impressive march in Glasgow as hopes of a strong Commonwealth Games finish grow stronger.
