Glasgow 2026: Ezuruike opens Nigeria's medal account as NSC rewards heroics with $2,000
Team Nigeria's campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games got off to a memorable start as Paralympian Roland Ezuruike clinched the country's first medal and the national 3x3 basketball team recorded a historic maiden victory on the opening day of competition.
Ezuruike delivered an outstanding performance in the Men's Lightweight Group A Para Powerlifting event, securing a silver medal with a total of 153.9 points to hand Nigeria its first podium finish of the Games.
The experienced para powerlifter came within touching distance of gold after attempting a Commonwealth Games record lift of 190kg on his final attempt. Although the ambitious effort fell just short, his display earned widespread applause and a deserved place on the podium.
In keeping with the National Sports Commission's athlete welfare and incentive programme, Ezuruike received an immediate cash reward of $2,000 for winning silver.
The medal also qualifies him for an additional $2,000 performance bonus, bringing his total earnings to $4,000 as the Commission continues to reward excellence and inspire Nigerian athletes to reach greater heights.
Meanwhile, Team Nigeria's 3x3 basketball side etched its name into the history books by recording the country's first-ever victory in the event at the Commonwealth Games, defeating the Cayman Islands 21-17.
Esosa Okundaye and Ikechukwu "Ike" Nwamu starred for Nigeria with six points each, guiding the team to a landmark triumph that underlined the benefits of months of intensive preparation.
Speaking after the game, Nwamu expressed his delight at the achievement and praised the support provided by the National Sports Commission.
"It was a great match. We fought hard and our preparations paid off as we won Nigeria's first game in 3x3 basketball at the Commonwealth Games.
"We are now getting ready for the next two games. Playing for Nigeria means a lot to me, and every opportunity I have to represent my country means everything.
"We thank the National Sports Commission for allowing us to prepare properly. We trained with the Netherlands national team, who won the gold medal in 3x3 basketball at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and that preparation really helped us."
Nigeria will return to the court later in the day to face Australia before concluding the group stage against New Zealand as they continue their quest for a place in the knockout rounds.
There was disappointment in the boxing arena, however, as Ayomide Foly Hassan exited the competition in the Round of 32 following a closely fought contest against Refiloe Thai.
Hassan appeared confident of victory before the judges eventually awarded the bout to his opponent.
Team Nigeria's attention now turns to a packed evening schedule featuring several medal prospects across para powerlifting and boxing.
In para powerlifting, Esther Oyema and Esther Nworgu will compete in the women's lightweight categories, while reigning world champion Rita Ferdinand and multiple Paralympic and Commonwealth champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo will spearhead Nigeria's challenge in the women's heavyweight division.
Rilwan Idris will also be in action in the men's heavyweight event.
In boxing, Abdulramon Abdulwahab is set to represent Nigeria in the men's 68kg category as Team Nigeria continues its pursuit of more medals at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
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