Esther Nworgu has won Nigeria’s first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after delivering a dominant performance in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event, leading a historic one-two finish for Team Nigeria.
Nworgu clinched the title with a best lift of 123kg, scoring 119 points to finish ahead of the competition and secure Nigeria’s first gold of the Games.
Fellow Nigerian Esther Oyema claimed the silver medal after recording a best lift of 125kg to earn 115.5 points, completing an impressive podium finish for Team Nigeria.
England’s Olivia Broome settled for bronze with a best lift of 119kg, finishing with 106.6 points.
Nworgu also set two Commonwealth Games records during the event, further highlighting her dominance and emerging as one of the standout athletes of the competition.
The victory extends Nigeria’s rich tradition in para powerlifting, a sport in which the country has consistently excelled on the international stage.
A Paralympic silver medallist, Nworgu displayed remarkable composure and technical excellence throughout the competition, while the experienced Oyema added another prestigious international medal to her distinguished career.
