Didih and Umoafia Win Gold as Nigeria's Commonwealth Games Medal Haul Grows

Posted : 28 July 2026

Team Nigeria enjoyed another memorable day at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow as weightlifters Onome Omolola Didih and Edidiong Joseph Umoafia won gold medals with record-breaking performances.

Didih produced a dominant display in the women's 53kg event at the SEC Armadillo, setting three new Commonwealth Games records on her way to victory. The Nigerian lifted 93kg in the snatch and followed it with 113kg in the clean and jerk to finish with a combined total of 206kg.

Her outstanding performance left the rest of the field behind. India's Gyaneshwari Yadav claimed the silver medal with a total lift of 199kg, while Canada's Rebeka Groulx secured bronze after recording 178kg.

National Sports Commission Director General Bukola Olopade was among the Nigerian officials celebrating Didih's success. Throughout her attempts, he encouraged the lifter from the sidelines, repeatedly urging her on with the words, "More dollars," as she completed each successful lift.

Earlier in the day, Edidiong Joseph Umoafia delivered another gold medal for Team Nigeria in the men's 71kg weightlifting competition. The Commonwealth champion produced a commanding performance from start to finish, establishing himself as the strongest athlete in the event.

Umoafia lifted 147kg in the snatch to take the lead before matching the best clean and jerk effort of 172kg. His combined total of 319kg earned him the gold medal and also set a new Commonwealth Games record in the category.

Samoa's John Lautafi Tafi finished with the silver medal after matching Umoafia's 172kg clean and jerk but ending with a lower overall total of 314kg. Ezekiel Moses of Nauru completed the podium with a combined lift of 310kg to claim bronze.

The two victories increased Team Nigeria's gold medal tally to five, while the country's overall medal count rose to nine. Nigeria has continued to impress in the strength sports after earlier success in para powerlifting and weightlifting events during the Games.

The latest triumphs also strengthened Nigeria's position on the Commonwealth Games medals table. As competition continued on Monday, Australia led the standings with 16 gold medals, all won in swimming, while England occupied second place. Nigeria climbed into third place, underlining another strong performance at the Games.

With several medal events still to come, Team Nigeria will be hoping to build on its impressive momentum and add more podium finishes before the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games conclude.

Didih and Umoafia Win Gold as Nigeria's Commonwealth Games Medal Haul Grows

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