Glasgow 2026: Ruth Nyong’s Silver Swells Team Nigeria’s Medal Haul To 7

Ruth Asuquo Nyong added another silver medal to Team Nigeria’s impressive campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games after finishing second in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event.

Nyong’s podium finish increased Nigeria’s medal haul to seven — three gold and four silver medals — as the Games continued in Scotland.

The Nigerian weightlifter produced a combined lift of 168kg, comprising 75kg in the snatch and 93kg in the clean and jerk, to secure the silver medal.

India’s Mirabai Chanu Saikhom claimed the gold medal after lifting a Commonwealth Games record total of 190kg, while Malaysia’s Irene Jane Henry took bronze with 167kg.

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) hailed Nyong’s performance, describing it as a reward for months of hard work, discipline and quality preparation.

NWF President, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, congratulated the weightlifter for her determined display and urged other members of the Nigerian contingent to draw inspiration from her achievement.

“I am delighted with Ruth Nyong’s silver medal performance. She competed with great determination and showed the fighting spirit Nigerians are known for,” Abdul said.

“On behalf of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, I congratulate her for making the country proud and adding another medal to Team Nigeria’s tally.”

The NWF president also charged the remaining Nigerian weightlifters to remain focused and seize their opportunities as the competition progresses.

“I want to encourage every member of our weightlifting contingent to remain focused and believe in their abilities. Ruth has shown that the podium is within reach.

“I urge the rest of our athletes to go out there, give their best and do the Federation and Nigeria proud by excelling in their events.”

Abdul also praised the National Sports Commission (NSC), particularly its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and Director General, Hon Bukola Olopade, for providing what he described as an enabling environment for Team Nigeria’s preparations.

He highlighted the national camping programme in Abuja and the subsequent foreign training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, as key components of the weightlifters’ preparations for the Games.

“We sincerely appreciate the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon Bukola Olopade, for their unwavering support,” he said.

“The camping programme in Abuja, followed by the foreign training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, ensured our athletes were adequately prepared for this competition.”

According to Abdul, the welfare package, incentives and encouragement provided by the NSC have also helped boost the athletes’ confidence and determination to perform at the Games.

He further commended coaches Luke Ibeh and Sefiya Onubaye for their contribution to the weightlifting team’s performances and expressed confidence that more medals would come from Nigeria’s lifters before the Games conclude.

Nyong’s silver represents another significant contribution to Nigeria’s medal campaign in Glasgow and further strengthens the country’s hopes of achieving an impressive haul at the 2026 Commonwealth Games.