Glasgow Success Sets New Benchmark for Nigerian Weightlifting, Says NWF President

Posted : 31 July 2026

President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Ibrahim Abdul, says Team Nigeria's outstanding performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow has set a new benchmark for the sport, following a medal haul that eclipsed the country's achievement at the previous edition.

Nigeria concluded its weightlifting campaign with three gold medals and one silver, surpassing the two gold, one silver, and three bronze medals won at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.

The gold medals were won by Edidiong Joseph Umoafia (Men's 71kg), Didih Omolola Onome (Women's 53kg), and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal (Women's 58kg), while Ruth Asuquo Nyong claimed silver in the Women's 48kg event.

Reacting to the team's exploits, Abdul described the campaign as a reflection of the athletes' commitment and the federation's long-term development efforts.

"We are delighted with what our athletes have achieved in Glasgow. Surpassing our medal performance from the last Commonwealth Games is a huge accomplishment and one that every Nigerian should be proud of.

"At the same time, we know this team has the capacity to do even better, and we will continue working to ensure greater success in future international competitions," he told NWF Media.

The federation boss reserved special praise for Umoafia, Onome, and Lawal, whose dominant performances produced three gold medals on a memorable day for Team Nigeria, while also commending Nyong for opening Nigeria's account with a silver medal that inspired the rest of the squad.

"Edidiong, Didih, and Rafiatu made Nigeria proud with exceptional performances that will remain unforgettable.

"Winning three gold medals in one day shows the quality and resilience of our athletes. Ruth Asuquo also deserves enormous praise for breaking barriers with her silver medal and setting the tone for the team's impressive campaign," he said.

Abdul also acknowledged the contributions of other members of the Nigerian contingent, including Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele, Mary Taiwo Osijo, Favour Agboro, and Adedapo Opadeji, whose campaign was cut short by injury.

"Every member of this team deserves recognition. Winning medals is important, but representing Nigeria with courage, discipline, and determination is equally commendable," he said.

He attributed the team's success to the dedication of the technical crew, led by Technical Director Sefiya Onubaye and veteran coach High Chief Luke Ibeh, popularly known as the "Miracle Coach," while also recognising Lawrence Iquaibom for serving as an International Weightlifting Federation official during the Games.

Abdul further commended the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, for providing the athletes with quality preparation through training camps in Abuja and Aberdeen, Scotland.

According to him, the Commission's early planning and introduction of instant financial rewards for medal winners played a significant role in motivating the athletes.

"I must sincerely appreciate the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Chairman Dikko and Director-General Olopade.

"Their commitment to ensuring our athletes had quality preparation in Abuja and later in Aberdeen made a significant difference.

"The instant financial rewards for medal winners were another masterstroke that inspired the athletes to push beyond their limits," he said.

Looking ahead, Abdul urged the NSC to sustain the Glasgow model of early preparation as Nigeria begins its build-up to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

He added that the federation would intensify grassroots competitions and talent identification programmes to ensure Nigeria continues to produce world-class weightlifters capable of excelling on the global stage.

"Our focus now shifts to the future. We will intensify grassroots competitions to discover more talents and ensure Nigerian weightlifting continues to enjoy global recognition.

"Preparations for the Olympic Games will begin in earnest because we want to produce even more champions for Nigeria," Abdul said.

Nigeria's impressive performance in Glasgow has reinforced the country's status as one of the leading weightlifting nations in the Commonwealth. With plans already underway for the next Olympic cycle, the federation is determined to build on this success and sustain its momentum on the international stage.

Glasgow Success Sets New Benchmark for Nigerian Weightlifting, Says NWF President

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