Edidiong Umoafia Wins Gold as Nigeria’s Medal Rush Continues at Glasgow 2026

Nigeria’s impressive start to the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games continued on Monday as 23-year-old weightlifter Edidiong Joseph Umoafia won gold in the men’s 71kg event.

The Akwa Ibom-born star produced another brilliant performance to give Team Nigeria its fourth gold medal of the Games.

Umoafia took control of the competition with a superb 147kg lift in the snatch before finishing strongly in the clean and jerk to secure the gold medal.

He finished ahead of John Lautafi Tafi of Samoa, who claimed silver, while Ezekiel Moses of Nauru settled for bronze.

His victory came a day after Team Nigeria enjoyed a successful opening day, winning three gold and three silver medals.

The para powerlifting team led the way, with Esther Nworgu, Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Riluwan Idris all winning gold medals. Roland Ezuruike, Esther Oyema and Rita Ferdinand added silver medals, with several athletes breaking world and Commonwealth Games records.

Another Akwa Ibom athlete, Ruth Nyong, also made Nigeria proud by winning silver in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event.

Umoafia’s triumph means Team Nigeria has now won four gold and three silver medals, with the country’s athletes continuing to shine in Glasgow.

Nigeria will hope to build on the strong start as more events take place in the coming days.