Team Nigeria Opens Commonwealth Games 2026 with Six-Medal Haul

By Seyifunmi Odunuga 

Team Nigeria made a remarkable statement on the opening day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, securing six medals comprising three gold and three silver to begin its campaign in impressive fashion.

The country's para powerlifting team stole the spotlight with dominant performances that placed Nigeria among the leading nations on the medals table after Day One.

Nigeria's first gold medals came through Esther Nworgu, Rilwan Idris, and the highly decorated Folashade Oluwafunmiayo, who all produced outstanding performances in their respective weight categories to mount the top of the podium.

The team also added three silver medals, with Rita Ferdinand delivering one of the most memorable performances of the day. Despite setting a new world record with a 158kg lift in the women's 79kg category, she finished with the silver medal under the event's competition format. Two other Nigerian para powerlifters also claimed silver medals to complete the country's impressive six-medal haul.

Beyond para powerlifting, Team Nigeria featured in other events, including the men's 3x3 basketball competition, where the team recorded a victory in one of its opening fixtures while continuing its quest for qualification to the next stage.

With three gold and three silver medals, Team Nigeria concluded Day One among the top-performing countries, reinforcing its reputation as a powerhouse in para powerlifting.

Nigerians will now look forward to more medal-winning performances as athletics, wrestling, boxing, table tennis and other sporting events gather momentum in the coming days.