Winning gold means everything — Nworgu
July 26, 2026 2:00 am
Esther Nworgu, who won Nigeria’s first gold medal of the Games.
By Peter Akinbo
Commonwealth Games gold medallist Esther Nworgu says winning gold in the Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games meant everything to her, crediting the National Sports Commission’s support for creating the right environment for Team Nigeria to succeed, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Nworgu, who claimed gold with a Games record lift of 119.0kg, said months of meticulous preparation and unwavering backing from the Commission had inspired her to deliver one of the finest performances of her career.
Speaking after her victory at the SEC Armadillo, she said every athlete had arrived in Glasgow determined to justify the confidence placed in them.
“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,” Nworgu said, describing the Commonwealth Games as one of the toughest competitions in the sport.
“It is not easy. The Commonwealth Games are different because you have to give it your very best to achieve success.”
Nworgu credited veteran teammate Esther Oyema, who won silver in the same event, for inspiring the younger generation of Nigerian para powerlifters.
“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.
“The celebration started the moment the Nigerian flag went up, and our national anthem was played. That was when the celebration started.”
The champion reserved special appreciation for the leadership of the National Sports Commission, commending chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and director general Bukola Olopade for the fatherly role they had played in motivating and supporting Team Nigeria throughout its preparations and participation at the Games, and for fulfilling the pledge to reward medal-winning athletes without delay.
“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, alongside Oyema’s silver, gave Nigeria a memorable one-two finish in the Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting event and laid the foundation for a sensational opening day.
Team Nigeria went on to win further medals through Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who claimed gold with a world record lift, Rita Ferdinand, who secured silver with a world record performance, Roland Ezuruike, who won silver in the Men’s Lightweight category, and Rilwan Idris, who captured gold in the Men’s Heavyweight event.
Peter, who has been covering sports for PUNCH for close to two years, focuses on combat sports reporting, special features and human angle stories
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