Nigeria’s para powerlifting team has earned $18,000 (about ₦27.5 million) in performance rewards after an impressive medal-winning start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

The National Sports Commission had announced cash rewards for medallists before the team’s strong outing, led by Esther Nworgu, who won Nigeria’s first gold medal of the Games.

In photos and clips from the live event on Friday, the participants were honoured with cash gifts from the NSC team.

Nworgu claimed the women’s lightweight para powerlifting title after delivering a Games record-breaking performance of 119.0 points, finishing ahead of compatriot Esther Oyema, who secured silver with 115.5 points, while England’s Olivia Broome won bronze with 106.6 points.

The gold medal adds to Nworgu’s growing list of achievements after winning silver at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

With the victory, Nworgu received an instant reward of $3,000 and an additional $5,000, bringing her total reward to $8,000.

Oyema, a multiple-time international medallist, received $5,000 after earning silver, made up of a $2,000 instant reward and an additional $3,000.

In the men’s lightweight category, veteran Roland Ezuruike won Nigeria’s first medal of the Games after claiming silver with 153.9 points.

The 50-year-old narrowly missed the gold medal after failing his final lift, allowing England’s Mark Swan to win on a tiebreak despite both athletes posting the same points. Malaysia’s Bonnie Bunyau Gustin settled for bronze.

Ezuruike also received $5,000 in performance rewards from the National Sports Commission.

In total, the three medallists have earned $18,000 in prize money.

Nigeria’s impressive start further reinforces the country’s dominance in para powerlifting at major international competitions.

Team Nigeria will be hoping to add to its medal haul in the coming days, with reigning world champion Folasade Oluwafemiayo and other Nigerian para powerlifters still scheduled to compete.

Team Nigeria’s athletes are competing for substantial financial incentives offered by the NSC, which has pledged cumulative cash rewards of $8,000 for gold, $5,000 for silver, and $3,000 for bronze medalists at Glasgow 2026.

PUNCH Online had reported that Nigeria has officially unveiled the athletes who will represent the country at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as competition gets underway in Scotland.

The Nigerian contingent will compete across several sporting events, with athletes aiming to deliver strong performances and add to the country’s rich history at the Commonwealth Games.

As the Games begin, Team Nigeria carries the hopes of millions of Nigerians, with expectations high for medal-winning performances in various disciplines.

The team features a blend of experienced competitors and emerging talents who have earned their places through impressive performances in national and international competitions.

According to a post obtained from the National Sports Commission’s X handle on Friday, officials expressed confidence in the athletes’ preparation, urging Nigerians to rally behind the team throughout the competition.