Two days after etching his name into Nigeria’s sporting history at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, Riluwan Idris has opened up on the personal promise that inspired him to become the country’s first male gold medallist, revealing that he arrived in Scotland determined to silence critics who doubted Nigeria’s male para powerlifters.

Idris claimed gold in the Men’s Heavyweight Para Powerlifting event to cap a memorable debut at the Commonwealth Games, joining Nigeria’s growing list of medal winners in a campaign that has already showcased the country’s dominance on the powerlifting platform.

Read Also: “I Am a Legend!” — At 50, Roland Ezuruike Vows Nigeria’s Best Is Yet To Come After Commonwealth Silver

Reflecting on the journey, the Commonwealth champion said his motivation came from repeated claims that Nigeria’s men were incapable of matching the achievements of their female counterparts.

“This is my first Commonwealth Games. I’ve competed at other international events before, but this is my first time participating here. Before coming, I made a promise to myself that I must become Nigeria’s first male gold medallist because a lot of people have been saying that the men cannot deliver gold medals. I wanted to prove them wrong, and I thank God today that the gold medal is mine.”

The victory was particularly significant for Idris, who had never competed at the Commonwealth Games before. His triumph not only fulfilled a personal ambition but also answered those who questioned whether Nigeria’s male lifters could stand on the top step of the podium.

Beyond the gold medal, Idris also praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for fulfilling its promise to reward medal-winning athletes immediately. He confirmed receiving the Commission’s $5,000 cash incentive for winning gold, describing the gesture as a major boost for athletes representing the country.

“I want to thank the National Sports Commission for fulfilling its promise. I have received my $5,000, and I sincerely appreciate the support. It is a great motivation for us to keep giving our best and making Nigeria proud.”

The immediate payment of performance bonuses has been one of the defining features of Team Nigeria’s campaign in Glasgow. Under the leadership of NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Commission has ensured that athletes receive their rewards without delay, a move that has drawn widespread praise from members of the Nigerian contingent.

Sports247 observed that Idris’ story has become one of the most inspiring narratives of the Games for Team Nigeria. While his gold medal added to the country’s impressive medal haul, his determination to challenge the perception surrounding Nigeria’s male para powerlifters has resonated with athletes and fans alike.

With his first Commonwealth Games now behind him, Idris has not only fulfilled the promise he made to himself before leaving Nigeria but has also written a new chapter in the country’s sporting history—one that will inspire future generations of Nigerian athletes to believe that no challenge is beyond their reach.

The post GLASGOW 2026: “They Said Men Can’t Win Gold” — Riluwan Idris Opens Up on the Promise That Made Him Nigeria’s First Male Gold Medallist appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Nigeria’s Abduljabar Adama kept the country’s swimming hopes alive on Day Two of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, producing an impressive performance to qualify for the men’s 50m freestyle semi-finals at the Tollcross International Swimming Centre.

Competing in a highly competitive Heat 7, Adama rose to the occasion against a quality field that included Australia’s Flynn Southam, England’s Jacob Mills, Canada’s Antoine Sauvé, and Northern Ireland’s Matthew Hamilton. The Nigerian sprint swimmer finished strongly to secure one of the qualifying places for the semi-finals, becoming Nigeria’s lone representative in the next stage of the event.

Read Also: GLASGOW 2026: ‘My husband Is My Backbone’ — Emotional Folashade Dedicates Record-Breaking Commonwealth Gold To Family

It was, however, a disappointing outing for compatriot Clinton Opute, who competed in Heat 8 alongside Australia’s Jamie Jack, South Africa’s Michael Houlie, The Bahamas’ Lamar Taylor, and Fiji’s Hansel McCaig. Despite a determined effort, Opute’s time was not enough to earn one of the coveted semi-final spots, bringing his campaign in the event to an end.

Adama’s qualification is another significant milestone in his rapidly developing career. The young Nigerian has earned a reputation as one of Africa’s brightest sprint prospects after setting the African junior record in the 50m freestyle, and his latest performance reinforces his growing status on the international stage.

Sports247, reporting from Glasgow, observed jubilant celebrations from the Nigerian camp after Adama’s qualification was confirmed. With the semi-finals scheduled later on Day Two, the Nigerian will now aim to produce another explosive swim as he targets a historic place in the Commonwealth Games final.

After Team Nigeria’s outstanding medal haul in para powerlifting on the opening day, Adama’s progression provides another positive storyline for the Nigerian contingent as the Games gather momentum in Glasgow.

The post Just-In: Abduljabar Adama Keeps Nigeria’s Hopes Alive, Storms Into Commonwealth Games 50m Freestyle Semi-Finals appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Grassroots Sports Development, Hon. Adeyinka Anthony Adeboye, has congratulated Team Nigeria for its outstanding start at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, describing the opening day performances as a clear testament to the country’s abundant sporting talent and the rewards of sustained investment in athlete development.

Hon. Adeboye particularly praised Nigeria’s para powerlifting contingent, whose remarkable exploits produced three gold medals, three silver medals, and multiple world records, instantly placing Team Nigeria among the standout nations of the Games.

Read Also: GLASGOW 2026: ‘My husband Is My Backbone’ — Emotional Folashade Dedicates Record-Breaking Commonwealth Gold To Family

The Presidential aide said the record-breaking performances by Folashade Oluwafemiayo, Esther Nworgu, Riluwan Idris, Esther Oyema, Rita Ferdinand, and Roland Ezuruike have once again demonstrated why Nigeria remains a dominant force in para sports globally.

“The remarkable performances of our athletes on the opening day of the Commonwealth Games have filled every Nigerian with immense pride. They have shown the world that with resilience, discipline, proper preparation, and belief, Nigerian athletes can compete with and defeat the very best on the global stage.”

Hon. Adeboye described the multiple world records set by Team Nigeria as a reflection of years of sacrifice, dedication, and structured athlete development, noting that such achievements further reinforce Nigeria’s reputation as one of the world’s leading nations in para powerlifting.

He commended the National Sports Commission, under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade, for creating an enabling environment for athletes to excel through improved welfare, motivation, and strategic planning.

According to the SSA, the Commission’s enhanced athlete reward system sends a strong message that excellence, patriotism, and hard work will continue to receive the recognition they deserve.

“When athletes know that their sacrifices are appreciated and their achievements rewarded, they are inspired to give even more. The support being provided by the National Sports Commission reflects a new direction for Nigerian sports under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

Hon. Adeboye further noted that the success recorded in Glasgow should inspire greater commitment to grassroots sports development across the country.

He explained that every international champion first emerged from a community, a school competition, or a local sporting programme, emphasizing that Nigeria must continue to strengthen talent identification and development from the grassroots to sustain success on the global stage.

“Every medal won today began as a dream in a local community. Every world record started with a young athlete who was given an opportunity to develop. This is why grassroots sports development remains the foundation of our national sports agenda. We must continue to identify, nurture, and support young talents across all 774 Local Government Areas so that Nigeria can consistently produce world champions.”

The Presidential aide also commended the fighting spirit displayed by Nigeria’s men’s 3×3 basketball team, encouraging them to remain focused despite their defeat to Australia after recording the country’s historic first Commonwealth Games victory in the event.

He equally urged athletes competing in other sports to draw inspiration from the para powerlifting team’s exploits as the Games progress.

“The Commonwealth Games is a marathon, not a sprint. The performances we have witnessed on the opening day should motivate every Nigerian athlete to compete with courage, determination, and the unwavering belief that they can bring honour to our nation. Nigeria is solidly behind Team Nigeria.”

Hon. Adeboye expressed confidence that Team Nigeria would continue to build on its impressive start and deliver more memorable performances throughout the Games, reaffirming his office’s commitment to supporting initiatives that expand grassroots sports, promote athlete development, and create sustainable pathways for future champions in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

The post SSA Adeboye Hails Team Nigeria’s Flying Start at Glasgow 2026, Says Grassroots Investment Is Delivering Global Champions appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.