Glasgow, Scotland – Team Nigeria made a spectacular start to its Commonwealth Games campaign on Friday as para powerlifting stars Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Rita Ferdinand shattered world records to lead the country’s impressive medal haul.
Oluwafemiayo, one of Nigeria’s most decorated para athletes, delivered another remarkable performance by breaking her own world record twice during the women’s event.
She first lifted 172kg to surpass her previous mark before raising the bar even higher with a stunning 175kg lift on her third and final attempt.
Her record-breaking effort earned 134.8 points, securing the gold medal and reaffirming her status as one of the greatest para powerlifters in the world.
The Nigerian champion has consistently dominated the international stage, and her latest achievement further cements her legacy in women’s para powerlifting.
Compatriot Rita Ferdinand also etched her name into the history books after lifting 158kg to establish a new world record in her weight category.
Her outstanding performance earned 128.2 points and the silver medal, completing a remarkable one-two finish for Nigeria.
Team Nigeria’s medal success began earlier in the competition when Esther Nwogu clinched gold in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event, while Esther Onyema secured silver in the same category.
In the men’s lightweight competition, Roland Ezuruike added another silver medal, helping Nigeria build early momentum at the Games.
The string of podium finishes and two world records provided Team Nigeria with a memorable opening day in Glasgow, reinforcing the country’s reputation as a global powerhouse in para powerlifting and raising expectations for an even stronger medal haul as the competition continues.
