By Ado Salisu
Team Nigeria has opened its medal account at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in impressive fashion, with Paralympian Roland Ezuruike claiming the nation’s first medal—a silver in the Men’s Lightweight Group A Para Powerlifting event.
Ezuruike scored a total of 153.9 points to secure second place. He came agonisingly close to winning gold after attempting a Games record lift of 190kg on his final attempt, but narrowly missed, settling for a well-deserved silver medal.
His achievement immediately triggered cash rewards under the National Sports Commission’s enhanced athlete welfare and incentive programme. Ezuruike received an instant $2,000 reward for winning silver and also qualified for an additional $2,000 performance bonus, bringing his total earnings to $4,000.
The reward reflects the Commission’s commitment to recognising excellence and motivating Nigerian athletes to achieve podium finishes at major international competitions.
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria also made history in 3×3 basketball, recording its first-ever victory in the event at the Commonwealth Games with a hard-fought 21-17 win over the Cayman Islands.
Esosa Okundaye and Ikechukwu “Ike” Nwamu led the scoring with six points each as Nigeria displayed composure and resilience to secure the landmark victory.
Speaking after the game, Nwamu attributed the success to months of quality preparation.
“It was a great match. We fought hard and our preparations paid off as we won Nigeria’s first game in 3×3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games.
“We are now getting ready for the next two games. Playing for Nigeria means a lot to me, and every opportunity I have to represent my country means everything.
“We thank the National Sports Commission for allowing us to prepare properly. We trained with the Netherlands national team, who won the gold medal in 3×3 basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and that preparation really helped us.”
Nigeria will return to action later today against Australia before concluding the group stage against New Zealand as the team seeks a place in the knockout rounds.
There was, however, disappointment in boxing as Ayomide Foly Hassan exited the competition in the Round of 32 after a closely contested bout against Refiloe Thai.
Hassan appeared on course for victory before the judges awarded the contest to his opponent.
Attention now turns to a busy evening for Team Nigeria, with several medal hopefuls set to compete in para powerlifting and boxing.
In para powerlifting, Esther Oyema and Esther Nworgu will compete in the women’s lightweight events, while reigning world champion Rita Ferdinand and multiple Paralympic and Commonwealth champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo will spearhead Nigeria’s challenge in the women’s heavyweight categories. Rilwan Idris will compete in the men’s heavyweight division.
In boxing, Abdulramon Abdulwahab will represent Nigeria in the men’s 68kg division as Team Nigeria continues its quest for more medals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.