Two-Time Paralympic Champion Folashade Oluwafemiayo Named Team Nigeria Captain for Glasgow 2026
Team Nigeria has appointed decorated para powerlifting star Folashade Oluwafemiayo as captain of its contingent for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.
The appointment recognises Oluwafemiayo’s remarkable achievements, exemplary leadership, and unwavering commitment to excellence, making her the ideal figure to lead the nation’s athletes at the Games.
Announcing the decision, the Director General of the National Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the choice was deliberate and based on merit.
“We are intentional about the selection of our team captain. Folashade Oluwafemiayo is the ideal choice, having consistently demonstrated exceptional professionalism, resilience, and excellence throughout her distinguished career.
She is a multiple gold medallist, a world champion, and one of Nigeria’s most decorated para athletes. Her leadership qualities and winning mentality make her an inspiration to every member of Team Nigeria.”
Oluwafemiayo is widely regarded as one of the world’s greatest para powerlifters.
A four-time world champion and two-time Paralympic gold medallist, she has enjoyed a distinguished career that includes multiple Commonwealth titles and world records.
At the 2021 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, she claimed the gold medal and set a new world record with a lift of 152.5kg, further cementing her status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
She also won gold in the women’s heavyweight event at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, extending Nigeria’s proud tradition of success in para sports.
Her appointment is also a recognition of the immense contributions of Nigeria’s para athletes, who have consistently been among the country’s top performers at the Paralympic Games, Commonwealth Games, African Games, and World Championships, contributing a significant share of the nation’s medals on the global stage.
Team Nigeria will head to Glasgow with a blend of experienced champions and exciting young talents across several sporting disciplines, all united by the ambition of delivering outstanding performances for the country.
The 2026 Commonwealth Games will be held in Glasgow, Scotland, from July 23 to August 2, 2026.
The National Sports Commission reaffirmed that Team Nigeria remains committed to excellence, discipline, sportsmanship, and achieving podium finishes that will make the nation proud.
