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Riluwan centre Photo by XBukolaOlopadee
Nigeria’s Idris Riluwan has won the gold medal in the men’s para-powerlifting event at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
Idris took home the gold medal on Friday night, ahead of Matthew Harding from England and Malaysia’s Nicodemus Manggoi Moses, who won silver and bronze respectively.
He lifted 200kg in his first attempt and finished with 132.8 points to claim his first ever Commonwealth Games gold.
He also lifted 208kg on his second attempt.
By winning a gold medal, Idris has earned the $5,000 gold medal reward promised by the Nigerian government.
The National Sports Commission congratulated the athlete for making Nigeria proud.
“What a phenomenal start to the 2026 Commonwealth Games! Our athletes continue to make Nigeria proud.
“What a phenomenal start to the 2026 Commonwealth Games! Our athletes continue to make Nigeria proud.
“Idris Riluwan has powered to Gold in the Men’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting event with an outstanding 132.8 points, earning not only the top podium finish but also the $5,000 Gold Medal Reward,” Director General of the NSC, Bukola Olopade, said on X.
“Congratulations to our champions. Nigeria is soaring, and we’re only just getting started!”
Team Nigeria closed Day One with three gold medals and three silver medals, and is currently second on the medals table, behind Australia.
Idris’ feat comes after compatriots Esther Nworgu secured Nigeria’s first gold medal of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
With a commanding performance in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event, leading a memorable one-two finish for Team Nigeria, Nworgu produced a best lift of 123kg, earning 119 points to claim the gold medal.
Her victory capped a dominant outing by the country’s para powerlifting team, with compatriot Esther Oyema taking the silver medal after registering a best lift of 125kg to finish with 115.5 points.
Nworgu had also set two Commonwealth Games records, underlining her dominance and confirming her status as one of the standout performers in Glasgow. (Channels TV)
