Nigeria Bags Seventh Medal at Glasgow 2026, Eyes More Gold

Team Nigeria is off to a great start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. On Sunday, weightlifter Ruth Asuquo Nyong brought home the seventh medal for the country in Glasgow.

This win made Bukola Olopade, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), confident that Nigeria is set for a successful Games.

Nyong secured a silver medal in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event. She lifted a total of 168kg, finishing second to India’s Mirabai Saikhom, who took gold with a Commonwealth Games record of 190kg.

With this silver medal, Nigeria now has seven medals after an outstanding first day. The para powerlifting team contributed three golds and three silvers, showcasing the country's strength in the sport.

Speaking about the achievement, Mr Olopade told reporters in Glasgow that Team Nigeria has surpassed initial expectations.

“So far so good. If the projections from the elite board are anything to go by, I think we’re still on track because today’s medal expectation from Ruth was a bronze, and she won a silver. So it’s an upward projection, a progression rather than downward,” he said.

Mr Olopade also noted the positive atmosphere among the athletics team, where Nigeria hopes to win even more medals.

“I was with the athletics team last night. Spirit is extremely high. We are hoping that seven to eight gold medals can come from there,” he added.

He expressed pride in the unity and identity within Team Nigeria. This gives him as much joy as the medals they have already won.

“I’m very proud of the young men and women and the officials that I’ve had the opportunity to work with in the last one and a half years. It is so obvious that as Nigerians, we have the wherewithal to stand firm and to be confident,” Mr Olopade said.

“I’m happy to hear that so many, even critics, so many people are saying for the first time they see an identity after a long time in our sport.”

He continued, “And for me, that’s good enough. That on its own is a gold medal. So we must add it to the gold medals.”

Mr Olopade defended the NSC’s focus on athlete welfare. He said this has been key to the team’s strong performances.

“Let me make it very clear that when we said athlete welfare was number one, it was because Mallam Dikko and I knew where we were coming from,” he explained.

“What really happens is that day in, day out, athletes go out to sweat. They work very hard.”

He added that it can be very discouraging for athletes when they do not feel respected or appreciated for their efforts.

Mr Olopade urged the athletes to give back the support they have received from Nigeria.

“We have done our bit. We have looked after you beyond your comprehension.”

“Nigeria has looked after you. Nigeria has helped you. Nigerians are expecting you to do your best to make them proud.”

So far, Nigeria has three golds and four silvers. More weightlifting events and athletics are coming up as Team Nigeria aims to keep its strong performance in Glasgow.