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Nigeria’s para-powerlifting team has received $18,000 (about ₦27.5 million) in performance rewards after winning three medals at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The National Sports Commission (NSC), which had announced cash rewards for medal winners before the Games, presented the athletes with their bonuses following Friday’s events.
Esther Nworgu delivered Nigeria’s first gold medal of the competition after winning the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event with a Games record score of 119.0 points.
Her compatriot, Esther Oyema, finished second with 115.5 points to claim silver, while England’s Olivia Broome took bronze with 106.6 points.
The victory adds to Nworgu’s growing achievements, having won silver at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
For her performance, Nworgu received a total reward of $8,000, comprising an immediate $3,000 payment and an additional $5,000.
Oyema was awarded $5,000 after receiving $2,000 as an instant reward and a further $3,000 for winning silver.
In the men’s lightweight event, Roland Ezuruike secured Nigeria’s first medal of the Games after winning silver with 153.9 points.
The veteran lifter narrowly missed the gold after failing his final attempt, allowing England’s Mark Swan to take the title on a tiebreak despite both athletes recording the same points. Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin finished third.
Ezuruike also received $5,000 from the NSC.
The three medal winners have collectively earned $18,000 in prize money.
Nigeria will look to build on its strong start as reigning world champion Folasade Oluwafemiayo and other members of the para powerlifting team prepare to compete in the coming days.
The NSC has pledged total rewards of $8,000 for gold medalists, $5,000 for silver and $3,000 for bronze at the Glasgow Games.
