Glasgow Gold Rush: Abdul Hails Nigeria’s Weightlifting Heroes After Record Commonwealth Games Feat

Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) President, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, has praised Team Nigeria’s weightlifters for delivering a record-breaking performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, describing their success as a product of hard work, proper preparation and renewed commitment to athlete development.

Nigeria ended the weightlifting competition with three gold medals and one silver medal, surpassing the country’s performance at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, where the team won two gold, one silver and three bronze medals.

The outstanding Glasgow campaign saw Edidiong Joseph Umoafia (men’s 71kg), Didih Omolola Onome (women’s 53kg) and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal (women’s 58kg) claim gold medals, while Ruth Asuquo Nyong secured silver in the women’s 48kg category.

Abdul said the achievement was a significant milestone for Nigerian weightlifting but insisted that the team had the potential to achieve even greater success on the international stage.

“We are delighted with what our athletes have achieved in Glasgow. Surpassing our medal performance from the last Commonwealth Games is a huge accomplishment and one that every Nigerian should be proud of,” Abdul told NWF Media.

“At the same time, we know this team has the capacity to do even better, and we will continue working to ensure greater success in future international competitions.”

The NWF president singled out Umoafia, Didih and Lawal for special praise after their remarkable feat of winning three gold medals on Sunday, 26 July 2026 — a historic day for Team Nigeria at the Games.

He also applauded Nyong, whose silver medal in the women’s 48kg event opened Nigeria’s medal account and provided early momentum for the weightlifting team.

“Edidiong, Didih and Rafiatu made Nigeria proud with exceptional performances that will remain unforgettable. Winning three gold medals in one day shows the quality and resilience of our athletes,” Abdul said.

“Ruth Asuquo also deserves enormous praise for breaking barriers with her silver medal and setting the tone for the team’s impressive campaign.”

Beyond the medal winners, Abdul commended other members of the weightlifting contingent who represented Nigeria with determination despite narrowly missing out on podium finishes.

He praised Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele, who finished seventh in the women’s 63kg event; Mary Taiwo Osijo, who placed fifth in the women’s 86kg category; Favour Agboro, who finished fourth in the men’s 65kg event; and Adedapo Opadeji, who was unable to compete in the men’s 79kg category due to injury.

“Every member of this team deserves recognition. Winning medals is important, but representing Nigeria with courage, discipline and determination is equally commendable,” he said.

Abdul also credited the technical team, led by NWF Technical Director Sefiya Onubaye and renowned coach High Chief Luke Ibeh, popularly known as the “Miracle Coach”, for their contribution to Nigeria’s success.

He equally praised Mr Lawrence Iquaibom for representing Nigeria as an International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) official at the Games.

The NWF boss reserved special recognition for the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for creating the platform that enabled the lifters to excel.

He said the NSC’s decision to provide a local training camp in Abuja before the team’s final preparations in Aberdeen, Scotland, played a crucial role in the athletes’ performances.

“The commitment of the National Sports Commission to ensuring our athletes had quality preparation in Abuja and later in Aberdeen made a significant difference,” Abdul said.

“The athletes went into the Games physically and mentally prepared, and the results have justified those efforts.”

He also applauded the Federal Government’s introduction of immediate financial rewards for medal-winning athletes, describing the initiative as a major motivation for the team.

“The instant financial rewards for medal winners were another masterstroke. It boosted the morale of our athletes and inspired them to push beyond their limits in pursuit of medals for Nigeria,” he added.

Abdul urged the NSC to maintain the culture of early planning and proper preparation ahead of major international competitions, particularly the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

He said the Glasgow model should become the standard for Nigerian sports development, with the federation committed to working closely with the NSC to sustain the momentum.

Looking ahead, the NWF president said preparations for future continental championships, world events and the Olympic Games would begin immediately, with greater emphasis on grassroots development and talent discovery.

“Our focus now shifts to the future. We will intensify grassroots competitions to discover more talents and ensure Nigerian weightlifting continues to enjoy global recognition,” Abdul said.

“Preparations for the Olympic Games will begin in earnest because we want to produce even more champions for Nigeria.”