Team Nigeria’s strong performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow continued on Sunday as weightlifter Ruth Asuquo Nyong secured the country’s seventh medal. Nyong claimed silver in the women’s 48kg category with a combined lift of 168kg, finishing behind India’s Mirabai Saikhom, who set a new Commonwealth Games record with 190kg to take gold.
Nigeria's Medal Tally Grows
The silver medal brings Nigeria’s total to seven—three gold and four silver—following a remarkable opening day dominated by the para powerlifting team. The National Sports Commission (NSC) Director General, Bukola Olopade, expressed confidence that the team is on track for a successful outing, noting that Nyong’s medal exceeded expectations.
“So far so good. If the projections of the elite board are anything to go by, I think we’re still on track because today’s medal expectation from Ruth was a bronze, and she won a silver. So it’s an upward projection, a progression rather than downward,” Olopade told reporters in Glasgow.
NSC Leadership Optimistic About Athletics
Olopade, alongside NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, has been closely monitoring the team’s progress. He revealed that the athletics camp is buzzing with optimism, with hopes of adding seven to eight gold medals from track and field events. “I was with the athletics team last night. Spirit is extremely high. We are hoping that seven to eight gold medals can come from there,” he said.
The NSC boss emphasized that the renewed sense of identity and unity within Team Nigeria is as rewarding as the medals themselves. “I’m very proud of the young men and women and the officials that I’ve had the opportunity to work with in the last one and a half years. It is so obvious that as Nigerians, we have the wherewithal to stand firm and to be confident.”
Improved Athlete Welfare Key to Success
Olopade defended the Commission’s athlete-first policy, crediting improved welfare for the encouraging performances. “Let me make it very clear that when we said athlete welfare was number one, it was because Mallam Dikko and I knew where we were coming from. What really happens is that day in, day out, athletes go out to sweat. They work very hard. It is always very demoralising when they don’t have the vibe, or they don’t feel that they are respected or that they are acknowledged for their efforts,” he explained.
He urged the athletes to repay the support they have received, saying, “We have done our bit. We have looked after you beyond your comprehension. Nigeria has looked after you. Nigeria has helped you. Nigerians are expecting you to do your best to make them proud.”
What Lies Ahead for Team Nigeria
With more weightlifting events and athletics competitions still to come, Team Nigeria aims to build on its bright start. The seven-medal haul so far includes three golds and four silvers, placing the country in a strong position as the games progress. Olopade also noted that the positive reaction from the public, including former critics, has been a source of pride. “I’m happy to hear that so many, even critics, so many people are saying for the first time they see an identity after a long time in our sport. And for me, that’s good enough. That on its own is a gold medal. So we must add it to the gold medals,” he concluded.
