Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist Esther Nworgu has paid glowing tribute to the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) for creating the right environment for Team Nigeria to succeed at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, describing the Commission’s support as a major factor behind the country’s remarkable start to the competition.
Nworgu, who won gold in the Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting with a Commonwealth Games record lift of 119.0kg, said months of meticulous preparation and unwavering backing from the National Sports Commission inspired her to deliver one of the finest performances of her career.
Speaking after her victory at the SEC Armadillo, the Nigerian champion said every athlete arrived in Glasgow determined to justify the confidence reposed in them.
“We came here prepared and the National Sports Commission did a lot. They spent a lot to get us here, and I personally had to put in my best to make sure we made Nigeria proud,” Nworgu said.
The para powerlifting star admitted that winning at the Commonwealth Games requires far more than physical strength, describing the competition as one of the toughest in the sport.
“It is not easy. The Commonwealth Games are different because you have to give it your very best to achieve success.”
Nworgu also credited veteran teammate Esther Oyema, who won the silver medal in the same event, for inspiring the younger generation of Nigerian para powerlifters.
“Having my senior win the silver medal motivated us because when she was younger, they achieved a lot. It made me even happier because the gold and silver came to Nigeria and not to any other country.”
For the new Commonwealth champion, the emotions of victory began long before she stepped down from the podium.
“The celebration started the moment the Nigerian flag went up and our national anthem was played. That was when the celebration started.”
Nworgu reserved special appreciation for the leadership of the National Sports Commission, commending Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade for the fatherly role they have played in motivating and supporting Team Nigeria throughout its preparations and participation at the Games.
She also applauded the Commission for fulfilling its pledge to reward medal-winning athletes without delay.
“I also thank the National Sports Commission for making its promise fulfilled immediately. I got my $5,000 almost immediately after winning my gold medal, and this has never happened before.”
The prompt payment of the performance incentive has been widely celebrated within the Nigerian camp and is seen as a strong demonstration of the National Sports Commission’s renewed commitment to athlete welfare under the leadership of Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade.
Their hands-on approach and constant encouragement have earned widespread praise from Team Nigeria athletes, many of whom have described the duo as playing a fatherly role throughout the Games.
Nworgu’s gold medal, alongside Esther Oyema’s silver, gave Nigeria a memorable one-two finish in the Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting event and laid the foundation for a sensational opening day.
Team Nigeria went on to win additional medals through Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who claimed gold with a world-record lift, Rita Ferdinand, who secured silver with a world-record performance, Roland Ezuruike, who won silver in the Men’s Lightweight category, and Riluwan Idris, who captured gold in the Men’s Heavyweight event.
Sports247, reporting from Glasgow, observed that the atmosphere inside the Nigerian camp remains one of confidence and unity, with athletes buoyed not only by their performances but also by the unprecedented welfare support and encouragement from the National Sports Commission as Team Nigeria continues its pursuit of Commonwealth Games glory.
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