Nigeria’s para powerlifters made history at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, as Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Rita Ferdinand each set new world records on Friday, propelling Team Nigeria to a dominant start in the competition. Oluwafemiayo, competing in the women’s heavyweight category, shattered her own world record for the second time in the event by lifting 175kg on her final attempt. She had earlier improved the mark with a 172kg lift, showcasing her exceptional strength and consistency under pressure. Her performance earned her 134.8 points and the gold medal, further cementing her status as one of the greatest athletes in women’s para powerlifting.
Ferdinand also made her mark by lifting 158kg, a new world record in her weight class, and securing the silver medal with 128.2 points. Her achievement highlighted Nigeria’s growing dominance in the sport and added another milestone to the country’s legacy in para powerlifting. The duo’s success came alongside strong performances from other Nigerian athletes, including Esther Nwogu, who claimed gold in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event. Esther Onyema followed with a silver medal in the same category, demonstrating Nigeria’s depth in the sport.
Roland Ezuruike also contributed to the medal tally by winning silver in the men’s lightweight para powerlifting competition. His performance underscored the strength of Nigeria’s male contingent in the event and added to the team’s overall success. The trio of medals — two golds and three silvers — gave Team Nigeria a powerful opening to its Commonwealth Games campaign, generating national pride and excitement.
The achievements in Glasgow reflect years of dedication, training, and support for Nigeria’s para athletes. Oluwafemiayo’s repeated world record-breaking lifts show her mastery of the sport, while Ferdinand’s record-breaking performance marks a significant breakthrough for her career. Their success is not only a personal triumph but also a boost for Nigeria’s standing in international para sports. The country’s strong showing in para powerlifting continues to inspire young athletes and highlights the importance of investing in adaptive sports.
With these records and medals, Nigeria has set a high bar for itself in the remainder of the Games. The performances in Glasgow signal that Team Nigeria is not only competitive but also capable of rewriting history. As the Games continue, the nation will be watching closely for more historic moments from its para athletes.
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