2-Time Paralympic Champion Oluwafemiayo Named Team Nigeria Captain For 2026 Commonwealth Games

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has named Nigeria’s most decorated para powerlifter, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, as captain of Team Nigeria for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The appointment, announced in a press statement issued on Sunday and signed by the Special Assistant on Media to the Director General of the NSC, Kola Daniel, recognises Oluwafemiayo’s outstanding achievements, exemplary leadership and enduring contribution to Nigerian sport.

Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the choice of captain was a deliberate decision based on merit and the athlete’s remarkable track record on the international stage.

“We are intentional about the selection of our team captain. Folashade Oluwafemiayo is the ideal choice, having consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, resilience and excellence throughout her distinguished career. She is a multiple gold medallist, a former world champion and one of Nigeria’s most decorated para athletes. Her leadership qualities and winning mentality make her an inspiration to every member of Team Nigeria,” Olopade said.

The NSC noted that Oluwafemiayo’s appointment reflects the commission’s commitment to rewarding excellence and entrusting leadership responsibilities to athletes who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and sportsmanship.

Widely regarded as one of the world’s finest para powerlifters, Oluwafemiayo has enjoyed a glittering career that has seen her win multiple Paralympic, World Championship and Commonwealth Games titles while setting world records.

A four-time world champion and two-time Paralympic gold medallist, she further cemented her place among the sport’s greats when she claimed gold at the 2021 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, where she also established a new world record with a lift of 152.5kg.

She successfully defended her status the following year by winning another gold medal in the heavyweight category at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.

According to the commission, her appointment also serves as recognition of the immense contributions of Nigeria’s para athletes, who have consistently been among the country’s most successful performers at major international competitions, accounting for a significant proportion of Nigeria’s medals at the Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, African Games and World Championships.

The NSC expressed confidence that Oluwafemiayo’s wealth of experience and inspirational leadership would motivate Team Nigeria as the country targets another successful outing at the Games.

Nigeria will travel to Glasgow with a blend of seasoned champions and emerging talents across various sports, all united by the ambition of securing podium finishes and bringing honour to the country.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from 23 July to 2 August, with Team Nigeria aiming to build on its strong tradition of success at the multi-sport event.

The NSC reiterated that the team remains committed to excellence, discipline, sportsmanship and delivering performances that will make Nigerians proud.