Roland Ezuruike has secured Team Nigeria’s first medal at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after producing an impressive performance to win silver in the Men’s Lightweight Group A Para Powerlifting event in Glasgow, Scotland, Sportblits.com reports.
The experienced Nigerian para powerlifter came agonisingly close to winning the gold medal after narrowly missing a Games record lift of 190kg on his final attempt.
Despite the disappointment of missing out on the record, Ezuruike accumulated 153.9 points from two successful lifts to finish second and give Nigeria its first podium finish of the Games.
England’s Mark Swan claimed the gold medal with a record-breaking performance, while Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin settled for the bronze medal after lifting 153.5kg.
Ezuruike pushes champion all the way
Competing against some of the world’s best para powerlifters, Ezuruike displayed remarkable determination throughout the competition.
The Nigerian lifter successfully completed his opening attempts before taking on the ambitious challenge of breaking the Commonwealth Games record with a final lift of 190kg.
Although the attempt was unsuccessful, his overall performance earned him the silver medal and demonstrated why he remains one of Nigeria’s most accomplished para athletes.
His podium finish provided Team Nigeria with the ideal start to its Commonwealth Games campaign and boosted confidence within the Nigerian delegation.
A decorated career continues
Ezuruike has enjoyed a distinguished career representing Nigeria at major international competitions.
The veteran para powerlifter has won medals at the Paralympic Games, World Para Powerlifting Championships, and previous editions of the Commonwealth Games, establishing himself as one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers.
Adding another Commonwealth silver medal further strengthens his legacy and highlights the longevity of his success at the highest level.
His experience and leadership continue to make him an important figure within Team Nigeria’s para powerlifting squad.
Ibrahim Dauda delivers encouraging performance
Nigeria was also represented in the event by Ibrahim Dauda, who produced a commendable display against a highly competitive field.
Dauda successfully lifted 140.1kg to finish in fifth place, gaining valuable experience at one of the biggest multi-sport events in the world.
Although he narrowly missed out on the medals, his performance reflected the depth of talent within Nigeria’s para powerlifting programme.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games provide another important platform for emerging athletes like Dauda to compete against elite international opposition.
Team Nigeria makes positive start in Glasgow
Ezuruike’s silver medal marked the beginning of what promises to be an exciting Commonwealth Games campaign for Nigeria.
Para powerlifting has consistently been one of Team Nigeria’s strongest disciplines, with Nigerian athletes regularly competing for medals at international championships.
The opening-day success reinforced expectations that the country could once again enjoy a productive Games in Glasgow.
Several of Nigeria’s world champions and Paralympic medallists are also expected to compete during the Games, increasing hopes of further podium finishes.
Basketball team also begins with victory
Away from the para powerlifting arena, Team Nigeria also enjoyed a winning start in the men’s 3×3 basketball competition.
Nigeria defeated the Cayman Islands 21–17 in its opening Pool A fixture to begin its campaign on a positive note.
The victory provides early momentum for the basketball team as it pursues qualification for the knockout stages in one of the Games’ fastest-growing sports.
Nigeria targeting another successful Games
The National Sports Commission has set ambitious expectations for Team Nigeria at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with athletes aiming to surpass previous performances.
Ezuruike’s silver medal represents an encouraging start to that mission and demonstrates Nigeria’s continued strength in para sports.
With more medal events still to come across para powerlifting, athletics, wrestling, boxing and other disciplines, Nigerian supporters will be optimistic that the country’s medal tally will continue to grow.
The experienced Ezuruike has once again delivered when it mattered most, giving Team Nigeria a solid foundation as the quest for more medals continues in Glasgow.
