Day Four of the 2026 Commonwealth Games got off to a flying start for Team Nigeria as the country claimed three weightlifting gold medals, taking its medal haul to six gold and four silver and moving into third place on the medals table.
Edidiong Umoafia opened the day’s golden run by winning the men’s 71kg title before Onome Didi added a second gold in the women’s 53kg event. Rofiat Lawal then completed the treble, producing a Games record performance to clinch gold in the women’s 58kg category.
The six gold medals leave Nigeria tied with Canada on gold medals, although the Canadians occupy second place by virtue of a higher overall medal count. Team Nigeria could further improve its standing when Adedapo Opadeji competes in the men’s 79kg weightlifting event later on Thursday.
Nigeria also recorded encouraging results on the athletics track. Oghene Tejiri Ashe, Nicholas Fakorede, and Oluebube Ezechukwu all booked places in the men’sand women’s 100m semifinals, joining Kanyinsola Ajayi, who received a bye into semis.
In the field events, Oyesade Olatoye qualified for the women’s hammer throw final, further boosting Nigeria’s hopes of adding to its medal tally.
Director-General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Bukola Olopade, has expressed satisfaction with Team Nigeria’s performance at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, saying the country’s target of 16 gold medals remains firmly within reach following another impressive day of competition.
Speaking after Nigeria’s haul of three weightlifting gold medals, Olopade said the athletes’ performances continue to align with the projections of the Elite Podium Board, describing their display as both encouraging and inspiring.
“The projections of the Elite Podium Board remain on track, according to the Chairman of the Board, and we are working closely with them to achieve our objectives. Most importantly, our athletes have been exceptional in their performances. They have shown great determination and resilience, and we hope they can maintain this momentum throughout the Games.”
He added that Team Nigeria’s impressive medal-winning run has reinforced confidence that the country’s ambitious target of 16 gold medals and a record-breaking Commonwealth Games outing is achievable.