Oluwafemiayo Shatters World Record as Nigeria Claims Another Para Powerlifting Gold in Glasgow

Nigeria’s remarkable start to the 2026 Commonwealth Games continued in spectacular fashion on Friday as team captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo broke the women’s heavyweight para powerlifting world record to secure another gold medal for Team Nigeria in Glasgow.

The reigning Paralympic, world and Commonwealth champion delivered an extraordinary performance in the women’s +86kg category, lifting 175kg to set a new world record and finish with 134.8 points, eclipsing her previous global mark. In an astonishing display of strength, Oluwafemiayo improved the record twice during the competition before sealing victory with her final lift.

The victory earned Nigeria its second para powerlifting gold medal of the Games and further strengthened the country’s long-standing dominance in the sport at the Commonwealth Games. Earlier in the competition, compatriot Esther Nworgu had opened Nigeria’s gold medal account, while the team’s medal tally continued to rise through impressive performances across multiple weight categories.

Adding to the celebrations, Rita Ferdinand produced an outstanding performance to claim the silver medal in the same women’s heavyweight event. Ferdinand lifted 158kg, giving Nigeria a memorable one-two finish and underlining the nation’s depth in para powerlifting.

The clean sweep of the top two positions highlighted Nigeria’s continued supremacy in the discipline, a sport in which the country has consistently produced world champions and Paralympic medallists over the past two decades.

Oluwafemiayo entered the competition as one of the favourites but exceeded expectations with a breathtaking series of lifts. After successfully surpassing her previous world record, she returned to the platform to improve it once again, drawing loud applause from spectators inside the Commonwealth Arena.

The Nigerian captain’s achievement adds another chapter to an already glittering career that includes Paralympic gold, multiple world titles and several world records. Her latest triumph reinforces her status as one of the greatest para powerlifters in the history of the sport.

Nigeria’s para powerlifting squad enjoyed an exceptional opening day in Glasgow, collecting multiple medals and reinforcing the country’s reputation as one of the world’s strongest para powerlifting nations.

Officials praised the athletes for their resilience, preparation and commitment, noting that the medal haul has provided Team Nigeria with significant momentum as competition continues across other sporting events at the Games.

The latest success is expected to boost Nigeria’s confidence as more athletes compete in athletics, wrestling, boxing, table tennis and other medal events over the coming days. With Oluwafemiayo once again rewriting the record books, Team Nigeria has announced itself as one of the standout nations of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.