Glasgow 2026: NWF Salutes Ruth Nyong’s Silver medal, charges other liters to win more

By Amaechi Agbo

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has congratulated Ruth Asuquo Nyong on her outstanding silver medal performance in the women’s 48kg event at the ongoing Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Nyong lifted a total of 168kg with her 75 kg lift in the snatch and 93kg lift in the Clean & Jerk to finish second behind India’s Mirabai Chanu Saikhom, who claimed the gold medal with a Commonwealth Games record total of 190kg, while Malaysia’s Irene Jane Henry settled for bronze with 167kg.
Reacting to the achievement, President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, described Nyong’s performance as a reward for months of hard work, discipline and quality preparation.
“I am delighted with Ruth Nyong’s silver medal performance. She competed with great determination and showed the fighting spirit Nigerians are known for,” the NWF Boss, Abdul said.
“On behalf of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, I congratulate her for making the country proud and adding another medal to Team Nigeria’s tally.”
The NWF President urged the remaining Nigerian weightlifters to draw inspiration from Nyong’s success as they prepare for their respective events.
“I want to encourage every member of our weightlifting contingent to remain focused and believe in their abilities. Ruth has shown that the podium is within reach. I urge the rest of our athletes to go out there, give their best and do the Federation and Nigeria proud by excelling in their events.”
Dr. Abdul also expressed appreciation to the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for providing the enabling environment that has contributed to the team’s impressive performances.
“We sincerely appreciate the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their unwavering support. The camping programme in Abuja, followed by the foreign training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland, ensured our athletes were adequately prepared for this competition.”
“The incentives, encouragement and welfare package provided by the National Sports Commission have greatly motivated the athletes. It is evident that the athletes are going the extra mile because they know their efforts are appreciated. That support has boosted their confidence and determination to deliver for Nigeria.”

The NWF Boss equally thumbed up the coaches attached to the Weightlifters, Luke Ibeh and Sefiya Onubaye for an excellent job thus far and he further expressed confidence that more medals would come from the Nigerian weightlifting team as the competition progresses, while reaffirming its commitment to developing athletes capable of excelling on the international stage.

Nyong’s silver medal further strengthened Team Nigeria’s campaign at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games with three gold and four silver medals at the time of filing this report.