Nigeria’s weightlifting star, Onome Didih, delivered one of the most remarkable performances of the 2026 Commonwealth Games after breaking three Commonwealth Games records to win the women’s 53kg gold medal in Glasgow.
Didih dominated the competition from start to finish, opening with a record-setting 93kg snatch before producing a powerful 113kg clean and jerk. Her combined total of 206kg established a third Commonwealth Games record, sealing Nigeria’s fifth gold medal of the tournament.
The Nigerian lifter finished comfortably ahead of India’s Gyaneshwari Yadav, who claimed silver with a total lift of 199kg, while Canada’s Rebeka Groulx secured bronze after lifting 178kg.
Her victory came shortly after fellow Nigerian weightlifter Edidiong Joseph Umoafia captured gold in the men’s 71kg category with a Commonwealth Games record total of 319kg, further strengthening Nigeria’s impressive campaign in Glasgow.
Earlier in the Games, Esther Nworgu had also won gold in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event, setting another Commonwealth Games record and reinforcing Nigeria’s reputation as one of the continent’s strongest nations in strength sports.
In recognition of the country’s growing medal haul, the National Sports Commission announced an enhanced reward package for Nigerian gold medalists. Each champion will receive a total of $10,000, with $5,000 paid immediately and another $5,000 deposited into their bank accounts. Ahead of her final lift, Didih was also promised an additional $2,000 incentive by the commission’s Director-General, Bukola Olopade.Didih’s historic achievement not only added another gold to Nigeria’s tally but also highlighted the country’s continued dominance in Commonwealth weightlifting, inspiring athletes across Africa as the Games continue in Glasgow.
