Glasgow 2026: Oluwafemiayo Eyes Historic First Gold as Para Powerlifting Opens Medal Race

Posted : 18 July 2026

With five days remaining before the opening of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Team Nigeria's medal campaign could get off to a flying start as para powerlifting takes centre stage with the first gold medal event of the Games.

Nigeria's para powerlifting star and reigning women's heavyweight champion, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, is expected to be among the leading contenders when competition begins on Friday, July 24, at the SEC Armadillo in Glasgow.

Para powerlifting will produce the first gold medal of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, making the event a significant opportunity for Nigeria to open its medal account in style.

Competition will be held in two sessions—from 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. (local time)—with athletes competing across eight weight categories. The men's events will range from 60kg to over 110kg, while the women's categories will span from 48kg to over 86kg.

Oluwafemiayo heads into the Games as one of Nigeria's strongest medal prospects, having established herself as one of the world's most dominant para powerlifters through a series of outstanding international performances. She will be aiming to win her first Commonwealth Games gold medal and add another major title to her illustrious career.

Nigeria's para powerlifting team also arrives in Glasgow with a reputation for consistently winning medals at major international competitions, raising expectations of another strong performance.

To further motivate Team Nigeria, the National Sports Commission (NSC) recently announced an enhanced incentive package for athletes competing at the Games.

Under the reward scheme, every gold medallist will receive an instant cash award of $3,000, while silver and bronze medallists will earn $2,000 and $1,000, respectively. Coaches of medal-winning athletes will also receive matching cash incentives.

In addition, medallists will benefit from separate performance bonuses paid directly into their bank accounts, with $5,000 for gold, $3,000 for silver and $2,000 for bronze. The initiative reflects the Federal Government's commitment to rewarding excellence and inspiring Team Nigeria to deliver outstanding performances at Glasgow 2026.

Glasgow 2026: Oluwafemiayo Eyes Historic First Gold as Para Powerlifting Opens Medal Race

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