Esther Nworgu has credited Nigeria’s investment in para powerlifting after delivering the country’s first gold medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games with a record-breaking performance in Glasgow.
The Nigerian para powerlifter produced a remarkable display in the women’s lightweight event, breaking the Commonwealth Games record twice before finishing with a 123kg lift worth 119 points.
Her performance secured gold ahead of compatriot Esther Oyema, who claimed silver, giving Team Nigeria a memorable one-two finish.
“I feel so, so excited. A lot of work was put into this. A lot of finances by the government were put into this, and I had to fight and make sure that all their struggles—the government’s struggles, all their struggles, and you know, the finances that they pumped into this particular competition—were not in vain.”
She also explained that qualifying for the Commonwealth Games demanded months of hard work because only athletes who met the required qualification points earned a place in Glasgow.
“I give my best. I put my all into it because the Commonwealth Games is a game that… it’s not like the normal regular games… It’s not everybody that went for the qualification that is here today. Many of them dropped because their points couldn’t get to, you know, the qualification.”
Nworgu described the experienced para powerlifting star as one of her biggest inspirations and said sharing the podium with the multiple-time champion made the achievement even more emotional.
Nworgu
Nworgu revealed that her celebrations began the moment the Nigerian flag was raised after her victory. She also confirmed she received the promised $5,000 incentive immediately after winning gold.
