Nigeria's strong performance at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games was not just about winning medals. The country's athletes set three out of the six world records during the Games, the organisers announced on Monday.
The record-breaking feats came from Rita Ferdinand, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, and Goodness Nwachukwu. They all delivered historic performances on their way to winning gold medals.
The first world record was on 24 July at the SEC Armadillo, where Rita Ferdinand lifted 158kg to win the women's up to 79kg para powerlifting event.
Later that same day, Nigeria celebrated another world record. Folashade Oluwafemiayo lifted 175kg in the women's over-86kg category. This lift earned her another Commonwealth Games title and added to her impressive career with another world record.
Nigeria's third world record came on 29 July at the EDF Scotstoun Stadium. Goodness Nwachukwu threw 39.66 metres in the women's F42 discus event to set a new world mark.
These three performances meant Nigeria achieved half of all the world records set during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Australia finished with two world records. Both were set by para cyclist Tara Neyland. England had the last record through para cyclist Morgan Newberry. Newberry set England's record in the women's C5 4,000m individual pursuit on 30 July. Neyland's second world record came on the last day of the Games in the women's C4 1,000m time trial.
The world records added to Nigeria's fantastic campaign in the Commonwealth Games. The country finished seventh on the final medals table, winning 10 gold, 7 silver, and 7 bronze medals. This made Nigeria the highest-ranked African nation at the Games.
There were also many other historic achievements. Chukwuebuka Enekwechi became the first Nigerian to win the Commonwealth men's shot put title. Ezekiel Nathaniel became Nigeria's first Commonwealth champion in the men's 400m hurdles. Samuel Ogazi also made history by being the first Nigerian man to win the Commonwealth Games 400m title. Ella Onojuvwevwo ended Nigeria's 32-year wait for a medal in the women's 400m, while Ruth Usoro won her first major international medal with silver in the women's long jump.
While the athletics team attracted a lot of attention, Nigeria's para-athletes again showed why they are among the best in the world.
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