Rafiatu Folashade Lawal delivered a commanding, record-breaking performance in the women's 58kg weightlifting event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow on Monday, winning Nigeria's sixth gold medal of the Games. The reigning Commonwealth champion successfully defended her title, rewriting both the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records with her lifts.
Record-Breaking Lifts
Lawal lifted 103kg in the snatch to set new Games and Commonwealth records. She then raised 126kg in the clean and jerk for another double record. Her combined lift of 229kg also established new Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records, sealing a dominant victory. The Nigerian finished 14kg ahead of Canada's Ann-Sophie Taschereau, who claimed silver with a total of 215kg, underlining Lawal's superiority throughout the competition.
Nigeria's Weightlifting Gold Rush
Lawal's victory came just hours after Onome Omolola Didih delivered Nigeria's fifth gold medal in the women's 53kg event with another record-breaking performance. Didih set Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth records in the snatch (93kg), clean and jerk (113kg) and total lift (206kg). Earlier on Monday, Edidiong Umoafia had opened Nigeria's weightlifting gold rush by winning the men's 71kg title with a Commonwealth Games record total of 319kg.
Para Powerlifting Foundation
The victories continue Nigeria's dominance in weightlifting after the country's para powerlifters laid the foundation for the medal charge during the opening days of the Games. Nigeria's first three gold medals came through Esther Nworgu, Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Riluwan Idris in para powerlifting. In contrast, silver medals were won by Roland Ezuruike, Esther Oyema, Rita Ferdinand and weightlifter Ruth Asuquo Nyong.
Prospects for More Medals
With athletics, wrestling, boxing and more weightlifting events still to come, Team Nigeria's medal tally is expected to grow as the country pursues one of its most successful Commonwealth Games campaigns. The team has already matched or exceeded expectations, with six gold medals and several silver medals in the first few days of competition.
