Commonwealth Games 2026: Umoafia Secures Gold in Major Boost for Nigeria

​Nigeria’s Edidiong Joseph Umoafia claimed gold in the men’s 71 kg weightlifting event at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, taking Team Nigeria’s medal tally to 8 as the country continues an impressive start to the competition.

​Umoafia produced a commanding performance, lifting 147 kg in the snatch before recording 172 kg in the clean and jerk. His combined total of 319 kg secured the gold medal, finishing ahead of Samoa’s John Lautafi Tafi (314 kg) and Nauru’s Ezekiel Moses, who took bronze with 310 kg.

​Umoafia Adds Nigeria’s Fourth Gold

​The victory represents Nigeria’s fourth gold medal of the Games and the country’s second medal in weightlifting. Umoafia’s success follows Ruth Asuquo Nyong’s silver-medal finish in the women’s 48 kg category.

​The result strengthens Nigeria’s position near the top of the early medal standings at Glasgow 2026, where the Games are being held from July 23 to August 2.

Nigeria’s Medal Table

​With Umoafia’s gold, Team Nigeria’s overall haul stands at 8 medals — 4 gold and 4 silver. Nigeria topped the standings following the opening day, a strong early performance that Commonwealth Sport highlighted.

​Umoafia’s victory provides another major boost to Nigeria’s campaign in Glasgow as athletes continue their pursuit of podium finishes across the remaining events.