Age may be just a number, but for Roland Ezuruike, it is also a badge of honour.
The 50-year-old Nigerian para powerlifting icon, who delivered Team Nigeria’s first medal at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, says he is far from finished, declaring that he is already setting his sights on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games after claiming silver in the Men’s Lightweight event.
Ezuruike opened Nigeria’s medal account in Glasgow with a spirited performance, lifting 153.9 points to secure the silver medal behind England’s Mark Swan, before Team Nigeria went on to dominate the para powerlifting competition with an impressive haul of medals.
Despite reaching the milestone age of 50, the veteran insists he still has plenty left in the tank.
“I am a legend!” Ezuruike declared with a broad smile after his medal-winning performance.
Reflecting on his longevity in the sport, the multiple Paralympian attributed his success to divine grace rather than age.
“I clocked 50 some months ago, but it is not me; it is God Almighty. People may say I am old, but I am not tired.”
The Nigerian champion explained that the Commonwealth Games present a unique challenge because athletes compete under a combined points system across different classifications, making every lift crucial.
“The Commonwealth Games are different because different categories are combined together. If I competed in only my major category, I would beat everybody.”
While stopping short of naming his rivals, Ezuruike confidently warned that his best performances are still ahead.
“I’m not saying anything now. When we meet again at the next competition, then nobody will stop me.”
His confidence is backed by an outstanding career that has established him as one of Nigeria’s greatest para athletes. A Paralympic champion, multiple world medallist and Commonwealth Games medallist, Ezuruike continues to defy expectations with performances that inspire a new generation of Nigerian athletes.
The veteran also revealed that retirement is not on his mind, with his attention already fixed on the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games, where he hopes to once again compete for Nigeria on the world’s biggest para sports stage.
Sports247, reporting from Glasgow, observed that Ezuruike’s silver medal proved to be the spark that ignited Team Nigeria’s remarkable para powerlifting campaign.
His podium finish was followed by gold medals for Esther Nworgu, Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Riluwan Idris, while Esther Oyema and Rita Ferdinand added silver medals to complete a memorable opening day for the Nigerian contingent.
Beyond the medal, Ezuruike’s determination to keep competing at the highest level has become one of the enduring stories of Glasgow 2026. At 50, he remains a symbol of resilience, discipline and excellence, proving that experience and unwavering belief can still deliver podium finishes on the international stage.
Sports247 Medal Watch – Team Nigeria
Medal Total
🥇 Gold 3
🥈 Silver 3
🥉 Bronze 0
Total 6
Medal Winners
🥇 Riluwan Idris – Men’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting
🥇 Folashade Oluwafemiayo – Women’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting (World Record)
🥇 Esther Nworgu – Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting (Commonwealth Games Record)
🥈 Roland Ezuruike – Men’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting
🥈 Esther Oyema – Women’s Lightweight Para Powerlifting
🥈 Rita Ferdinand – Women’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting
As Team Nigeria continues its campaign in Glasgow, Ezuruike’s message is unmistakable: the legend is not ready to write the final chapter just yet.
