By Tayo Ogunseye
Team Nigeria has opened its medal account at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games in style, with Paralympian Roland Ezuruike claiming the country’s first medal—a silver in the Men’s Lightweight Group A Para Powerlifting event—while also earning an immediate cash reward under the National Sports Commission’s athlete incentive programme.
Ezuruike produced a superb performance to finish with a total of 153.9 points and secure the silver medal. The experienced Nigerian came within touching distance of gold after attempting a Commonwealth Games record lift of 190kg on his final attempt but narrowly missed, settling for a well-deserved second-place finish.
His achievement was instantly rewarded under the National Sports Commission’s enhanced performance-based incentive scheme. Ezuruike received an immediate $2,000 cash reward for winning silver, with an additional $2,000 performance bonus attached to his medal haul, bringing his total earnings to $4,000.
The reward underscores the Commission’s renewed commitment to motivating Nigerian athletes through prompt recognition of podium performances.
Elsewhere, Team Nigeria’s 3×3 basketball team made history by recording the country’s first-ever victory in the event at the Commonwealth Games, defeating the Cayman Islands 21-17 in their opening group match.
Esosa Okundaye and Ikechukwu “Ike” Nwamu starred for Nigeria with six points each as the team displayed composure and resilience to secure the landmark win.
Speaking after the game, Nwamu credited the victory to months of quality preparation.
> “It was a great match. We fought hard and our preparations paid off as we won Nigeria’s first game in 3×3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games.
> “We are now getting ready for the next two games. Playing for Nigeria means a lot to me, and every opportunity I have to represent my country means everything.
> “We thank the National Sports Commission for allowing us to prepare properly. We trained with the Netherlands national team, who won the gold medal in 3×3 basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and that preparation really helped us.”
Nigeria will return to action later on Friday against Australia before concluding the group stage against New Zealand as the team chases a place in the knockout rounds.
There was disappointment in the boxing ring, however, as Ayomide Foly Hassan exited the competition in the Round of 32 following a closely contested bout against Refiloe Thai. Hassan appeared confident he had done enough to claim victory before the judges awarded the contest to his opponent.
Attention now turns to a busy evening for Team Nigeria, with several medal prospects set to compete in para powerlifting and boxing.
In para powerlifting, Esther Oyema and Esther Nworgu will contest the women’s lightweight events, while reigning world champion Rita Ferdinand and multiple Paralympic and Commonwealth champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo will spearhead Nigeria’s challenge in the women’s heavyweight categories. Rilwan Idris will also compete in the men’s heavyweight division.
In boxing, Abdulramon Abdulwahab will represent Nigeria in the men’s 68kg division as Team Nigeria continues its quest for more medals in Glasgow.
