Oluwafemiayo Breaks World Record as Nigeria Claims Another Gold-Silver Finish

Posted : 25 July 2026

Team Nigeria continued its impressive medal-winning run at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games on Friday as Folashade Oluwafemiayo broke the world record to win gold in the Women's Heavyweight Para Powerlifting event at the SEC Armadillo.

The reigning world champion produced a remarkable lift of 134.8kg to successfully defend her Commonwealth Games title. The effort surpassed the previous world record and further strengthened her reputation as one of the greatest para powerlifters in the sport's history.

Nigeria completed another memorable one-two finish when Rita Ferdinand claimed the silver medal with a lift of 128.2kg. Her performance also exceeded the previous world record, highlighting the remarkable standard set by the Nigerian duo in the heavyweight category.

Australia's Hani Watson finished with the bronze medal after lifting 111.5kg. England's Louise Sugden placed fourth with 106.5kg, while compatriot Doaa Shayea finished fifth with 93.3kg. India's Kasthuri Rajamani was unable to record a successful lift during the competition.

The latest success capped another outstanding day for Nigeria's para powerlifting team. Earlier in the competition, Esther Nworgu won gold in the Women's Lightweight event, while Esther Oyema secured the silver medal to give Nigeria its first gold-silver finish of the day.

Roland Ezuruike had also opened Team Nigeria's medal account by winning silver in the Men's Lightweight Para Powerlifting event. His podium finish marked the beginning of a highly successful opening day for Nigeria's para athletes in Glasgow.

The atmosphere inside the SEC Armadillo was filled with celebration as Nigerian athletes, officials and supporters applauded Oluwafemiayo's record-breaking performance. The excitement continued moments later when Ferdinand confirmed the silver medal to complete another Nigerian sweep of the top two positions.

Oluwafemiayo's latest achievement adds another major milestone to an already outstanding career that includes multiple Paralympic, world and Commonwealth titles. Ferdinand also enhanced her growing reputation with an impressive Commonwealth Games debut that established her as one of the sport's rising stars.

The dominant display has provided Team Nigeria with strong momentum as the delegation continues its campaign in Glasgow. Medal opportunities remain in athletics, wrestling, boxing, weightlifting and several other sports as the National Sports Commission targets a haul of between 16 and 20 gold medals.

Women's Heavyweight Para Powerlifting Results:

Folashade Oluwafemiayo (Nigeria) – 134.8kg (World Record)
Rita Ferdinand (Nigeria) – 128.2kg
Hani Watson (Australia) – 111.5kg
Louise Sugden (England) – 106.5kg
Doaa Shayea (England) – 93.3kg
Kasthuri Rajamani (India) – No successful lift

Oluwafemiayo Breaks World Record as Nigeria Claims Another Gold-Silver Finish

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