With just five days until the opening of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, attention is already turning to the event that could deliver Nigeria’s first golden moment—and perhaps the first gold medal of the entire Games.
When competition begins on Friday, July 24, all eyes will be on the SEC Armadillo, where Para Powerlifting will crown the first champions of Glasgow 2026. Among the athletes expected to light up the competition is Nigeria’s celebrated para powerlifting star, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who will once again carry the nation’s hopes on one of the biggest stages in world sport.
For Team Nigeria, the mission is clear: start strong, win early, and set the tone for what the National Sports Commission (NSC) believes can be a historic Commonwealth Games campaign.
Para Powerlifting will produce the first gold medal of the Games, with competition spread across two sessions featuring some of the world’s strongest para athletes. Nigeria enters the event with confidence, having built an enviable reputation as one of the Commonwealth’s leading para powerlifting nations.
Oluwafemiayo, a multiple-time world champion and one of Nigeria’s most decorated para athletes, is widely tipped as one of the favourites to mount the podium once again. Her experience, consistency and dominance have made her one of Team Nigeria’s brightest medal prospects.
The sport has become one of Nigeria’s greatest success stories at international competitions, with the country’s para athletes consistently proving that determination, discipline and resilience can overcome every challenge.
To further inspire the athletes, the National Sports Commission has unveiled an enhanced performance reward package ahead of the Games.
Under the incentive programme, every Nigerian athlete who wins a gold medal will receive an instant cash reward of $3,000, while silver and bronze medalists will earn $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. Medal-winning coaches will also receive matching incentives.
Beyond the immediate rewards, the Federal Government has approved additional performance bonuses of $5,000 for gold, $3,000 for silver, and $2,000 for bronze, to be paid directly into the athletes’ bank accounts—another demonstration of its commitment to rewarding excellence and encouraging podium performances.
With Team Nigeria targeting 20 gold medals in Glasgow, a golden start in Para Powerlifting would not only boost morale but also provide the perfect launchpad for the rest of the delegation.
The countdown continues.
In just five days, Nigeria’s pursuit of Commonwealth glory begins where strength meets determination.
Will the Green and White celebrate the first gold medal of Glasgow 2026?
The answer is only days away.
5 Days to Go. One Team. One Nation. One Golden Mission. 🇳🇬🏅
