Nigeria's Para-Athletes Excel at Glasgow 2026

Nigeria's para-athletes delivered one of the country’s biggest achievements at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, setting three of the six world records recorded during the competition. The record-breaking performances came from Rita Ferdinand, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, and Goodness Nwachukwu, who all produced historic displays on their way to gold medals.

The first world record occurred on 24 July at the SEC Armadillo, where Rita Ferdinand lifted 158kg to win the women’s up to 79kg para powerlifting event. Later on that same day, Nigeria celebrated another world record as Folashade Oluwafemiayo lifted 175kg in the women’s over-86 kg category, earning her another Commonwealth Games title and enhancing her remarkable career by setting another world record.

Nigeria’s third world record was established on 29 July at the EDF Scotstoun Stadium, where Goodness Nwachukwu threw 39.66 metres in the women’s F42 discus event to set a new world mark. The three performances meant Nigeria accounted for half of all the world records set during the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Australia finished with two world records, both set by para cyclist Tara Neyland. England recorded the remaining world record, achieved by para cyclist Morgan Newberry. Newberry set this record in the women’s C5 4,000m individual pursuit on 30 July, while Neyland’s second world record came on the final day of the Games in the women’s C4 1,000m time trial.

The world records added to an outstanding Commonwealth Games campaign for Team Nigeria. Nigeria finished seventh on the final medals table with 10 gold, 7 silver, and 7 bronze medals, making Nigeria the highest-ranked African nation at the Games. Several other historic achievements were noted. Chukwuebuka Enekwechi became the first Nigerian to win the Commonwealth men’s shot put title, while Ezekiel Nathaniel became Nigeria’s first Commonwealth champion in the men’s 400m hurdles. Samuel Ogazi made history by becoming 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.

Although the athletics team attracted significant attention, Nigeria’s para-athletes once again demonstrated why they remain among the best in the world.