World Record, History, Five Medals As Team Nigeria Shine On Glasgow Opening Day

Team Nigeria made a strong statement on the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games opening day, winning five medals, including a world record, two Games records, and a historic 3×3 basketball victory. Nigeria finished Day One second in the medals table with two gold and three silver, behind Australia’s four gold, two silver and four bronze. Hosts Scotland placed third with two gold and two silver. All of Nigeria’s medals came in para powerlifting. Captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo topped the women’s heavyweight event at the SEC Armadillo, lifting 134.8kg to set a new world record. Rita Ferdinand won silver with 128.2kg, surpassing the previous world record, while Hani Watson took bronze with 111.5kg. Esther Nworgu earlier secured Nigeria’s first gold of the Games in the women’s lightweight category, rewriting the Games record twice and winning with a lift of 123kg. In 3×3 basketball, Nigeria beat the Cayman Islands 21–17 in Pool A, reaching the winning score with 1 minute 36 seconds left after a disciplined defensive display.