GLASGOW 2026: NWORGU CREDITS NSC SUPPORT AFTER COMMONWEALTH GAMES GOLD, GAMES RECORD
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By: Muftau Fatimo
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Esther Nworgu has attributed her success at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games to months of intensive preparation and the unwavering support of the National Sports Commission (NSC), following her gold medal-winning performance in the Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting event.
Nworgu clinched the gold medal with a Games record lift of 119.0kg, delivering one of the standout performances of the competition while helping Team Nigeria make a strong statement on the opening day of the Games.
Speaking after her triumph at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow, the Nigerian para powerlifter said the entire team arrived at the Games fully prepared and determined to justify the confidence and investment made by the National Sports Commission.
“We came here prepared, and the National Sports Commission did a lot. They spent a lot to get us here, and I personally had to put in my best to make sure we made Nigeria proud,” she said.
Describing the Commonwealth Games as one of the most demanding competitions in para powerlifting, Nworgu noted that athletes must give their very best to achieve success.
“It is not easy. The Commonwealth Games are different because you have to give it your very best to achieve success,” she added.
The champion also praised veteran Nigerian para powerlifter Esther Oyema, who secured the silver medal in the same event, saying her achievement inspired the younger members of the team.
According to Nworgu, Oyema’s success served as extra motivation, especially considering her remarkable contributions to Nigerian para sports over the years.
“Having my senior win the silver medal motivated us because when she was younger, they achieved a lot. It made me even happier because the gold and silver came to Nigeria and not to any other country,” she said.
She added that the celebrations truly began when Nigeria’s national flag was raised and the national anthem was played following the medal ceremony.
Reflecting on the support received from sports administrators, Nworgu commended the leadership of the National Sports Commission, particularly Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade, for their encouragement and commitment to the welfare of Team Nigeria throughout the competition.
She also applauded the Commission for promptly fulfilling its promise to reward medal-winning athletes, revealing that she received the $5,000 cash reward almost immediately after winning her event.
“I also thank the National Sports Commission for making its promise fulfilled immediately. I got my $5,000 almost immediately after winning my gold medal, and this has never happened before,” she said.
Nworgu’s gold medal, combined with Esther Oyema’s silver, secured a memorable one-two finish for Nigeria in the Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting event and provided the perfect start to Team Nigeria’s campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Nigeria’s impressive medal haul continued with Folashade Oluwafemiayo winning gold after setting a new world record, Rita Ferdinand claiming silver with a world record performance, Roland Ezuruike earning silver in the Men’s Lightweight category, and Rilwan Idris capturing gold in the Men’s Heavyweight event, capping a remarkable opening day for Team Nigeria.
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