Full Breakdown
Nigeria Tops Day Two of Weightlifting at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games
7/28/2026, 3:58:44 AM
Nigeria Leads Day Two with Three Golds
On the second day of competition, Nigeria surged to the top of the weight-lifting medal table. According to the International Weightlifting Federation report, Nigerian lifters claimed gold in the women’s 58 kg (Rafiatu Lawal), women’s 53 kg (Onome Didih) and men’s 71 kg (Edidiong Umoafia). The nation added a silver in the men’s 71 kg (John Tafi of Samoa missed a winning lift) and a bronze in the women’s 53 kg (Rebeka Groulx of Canada). After two days, Nigeria held three golds and one silver, while Malaysia matched the three-gold tally with an additional bronze.
Top Lifts and Podium Results
- Women’s 58 kg: Lawal completed all six attempts for a total of 103 kg (snatch) + 126 kg (clean & jerk) = 229 kg.
- Women’s 53 kg: Didih posted 93 kg, 113 kg and 206 kg for a gold-medal total; silver went to India’s Gyaneshwari Yadav (88 kg, 111 kg, 199 kg).
- Men’s 71 kg: Umoafia lifted 147 kg, 168 kg and 319 kg, building a 5 kg lead after the snatch. Tafi’s 142 kg, 172 kg and 314 kg earned silver; Ezekiel Moses took bronze with 140 kg, 170 kg and 310 kg.
- Men’s 79 kg: Malaysia’s Muhammad Erry posted 147 kg, 184 kg and 331 kg for gold; India’s Ajaya Babu was second with 149 kg, 181 kg and 330 kg; England’s Chris Murray captured bronze on 148 kg, 177 kg and 325 kg.
Athlete Perspectives
Didih highlighted the collective spirit of the Nigerian squad, thanking teammates, coaches and supporters for their preparation. Lawal praised the “amazing” crowd motivation that helped her secure a personal best. Umoafia, who lifted a 159 kg snatch in training, said the world record of 160 kg is within reach. Murray, returning from multiple injuries, reflected on the broader value of his medal beyond the podium. The day also featured three women over 40 competing in the 53 kg class, underscoring the event’s inclusivity.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I want to shout out to all my team-mates, all the coaches, everybody who has helped us to prepare for these Games,” — Onome Didih
- “Six good lifts and a gold medal – this was my best win,” — Commonwealth Games. Rafiatu Lawal
- “It’s true the girls have been stronger than us, and that has helped to motivate me. My win is for all the guys out there,” — Umoafia. He
- “To win this medal, no, but in terms of the life lessons I learned, absolutely,” — Chris Murray, champion
Looking Ahead
The final day of weightlifting will feature the remaining medal events, with Canada positioned as a favorite across all three categories. Nigeria’s strong start sets a high bar as athletes aim to extend the medal haul before the Games conclude.
