CWG: Nyong Wins Silver as Nigeria’s Medal Tally Climbs to Seven in Glasgow

Nigeria’s medal haul at the 2026 Commonwealth Games increased to seven on Sunday after weightlifter Ruth Nyong claimed a silver medal in the women’s 48kg event in Glasgow.

The 20-year-old Akwa Ibom athlete produced a determined performance to finish second behind India’s Mirabai Chanu Shaikhom, who won the gold medal, while Malaysia’s Irene Henry settled for bronze.

Nyong’s achievement extended Nigeria’s impressive run in weightlifting, with all seven medals won by Team Nigeria so far coming from the sport.

Before Sunday’s competition, Nigeria had secured six medals from para-weightlifting, comprising three gold and three silver medals.

Nyong began strongly in the snatch category, successfully lifting 77kg on her second attempt to remain in contention for a podium finish.

However, her campaign suffered a setback in the clean and jerk after she failed in two successive attempts, raising doubts about her chances of finishing among the medal winners.

The Nigerian lifter responded with remarkable composure, producing a successful 93kg lift on her final attempt to secure a combined total of 168 points.

Her final score placed her one point ahead of Malaysia’s Henry, earning her the silver medal, although she finished two points behind India’s Chanu, who claimed the gold.

The silver medal marked Nigeria’s first medal from the conventional weightlifting events at this year’s Games and ended a disappointing Saturday for Team Nigeria.

On Saturday, the country failed to add to its medal tally after Nigerian boxers lost their respective contests, while the men’s 3×3 basketball team suffered a third consecutive defeat in the competition.

Nyong’s success has revived Nigeria’s hopes of further podium finishes as more weightlifting events continue in Glasgow.

Team Nigeria will have another opportunity to increase its medal count later on Sunday when Favour Agboro competes in the men’s 65kg category.

Officials remain optimistic that Nigeria’s strong tradition in weightlifting will continue to deliver medals as the Games progress.

Nyong’s silver also highlights the emergence of a new generation of Nigerian weightlifters capable of competing successfully against some of the Commonwealth’s most accomplished athletes.

Her performance has been widely praised as a significant boost to Team Nigeria’s campaign in Glasgow.