By Ijeoma Okigbo
Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo and Rita Ferdinand set new world records on Friday as Team Nigeria made an impressive Commonwealth Games start in Glasgow, Scotland.
Oluwafemiayo lifted 175kg on her third and final attempt, breaking her own world record for the second time during the competition.
She had earlier improved the mark with a 172kg lift before producing another outstanding performance in her final attempt.
The feat earned the Nigerian 134.8 points and the gold medal, further extending her dominance in women’s para powerlifting.
Oluwafemiayo’s latest achievement also strengthened her reputation as one of the sport’s greatest athletes globally.
Ferdinand also entered the record books after lifting 158kg to set a new world record in her weight category.
Her performance earned her 128.2 points and the silver medal behind her compatriot, Oluwafemiayo.
Earlier, Esther Nwogu won gold in the women’s lightweight para powerlifting event, while Esther Onyema claimed silver.
Roland Ezuruike added another silver medal in the men’s lightweight competition, further boosting Nigeria’s medal haul.
The outstanding performances gave Team Nigeria a memorable start to its Commonwealth Games campaign in Glasgow.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo