Nigeria Shines at Glasgow 2026 with Seventh Medal, More Gold in Sight

Team Nigeria is doing well at the 2026 Commonwealth Games. On Sunday, weightlifter Ruth Asuquo Nyong won the country's seventh medal in Glasgow.

This win made Bukola Olopade, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), confident about Nigeria's performance.

Nyong took home the silver medal in the women’s 48kg weightlifting event. She lifted a total of 168kg. India’s Mirabai Saikhom won gold, setting a Commonwealth Games record with a total of 190kg.

With this silver medal, Nigeria's total medal count reached seven. This follows a great opening day when the country won three gold and three silver medals, mainly from the para powerlifting team.

Mr Olopade spoke to reporters in Glasgow about Team Nigeria's performance. He said the team has done better than expected.

“So far so good. If the projections of 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 also mentioned that he is pleased with the spirit in the athletics camp. Nigeria hopes to win more medals there.

“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.”

Mr Olopade feels proud of Team Nigeria's unity and identity. He finds satisfaction in how the team has come together.

“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.”

He added, “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.”

“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 better care has helped the athletes perform well.

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

“It is always very demoralising when they don’t have the vibe, or they don’t feel that they are respected or that they are acknowledged for their efforts.”

Mr Olopade urged the athletes to show appreciation for the support they have received.

“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 won three golds and four silvers. More weightlifting events and athletics are still ahead as Team Nigeria aims to build on its strong start in Glasgow.