Rafiatu Lawal Smashes Commonwealth Games Record, Wins Gold for Nigeria

Nigeria's Rafiatu Folashade Lawal delivered a sensational performance at the ongoing 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, winning the gold medal in the women's 58kg weightlifting event after breaking the Games record.

The Nigerian weightlifting star dominated the competition from the opening lifts, recording 103kg in the snatch before producing an impressive 126kg in the clean and jerk. Her combined total of 229kg set a new Commonwealth Games record and secured Nigeria's sixth gold medal of the Games.

Canada's Ann-Sophie Taschereau claimed the silver medal with a total lift of 215kg, while India's Bindyarani Devi Sorokhaibam settled for bronze with 199kg.

Lawal's commanding display further reinforced Nigeria's dominance in weightlifting, with the country enjoying a remarkable run in the sport. Her victory came after fellow Nigerians Edidiong Umoafia and Onome Didih also claimed gold medals with record-breaking performances, adding to Team Nigeria's impressive medal haul in Glasgow.

The 29-year-old, who previously won Commonwealth Games gold in Birmingham in 2022, once again demonstrated why she is one of Africa's finest weightlifters, rewriting the record books with a flawless performance that left her rivals trailing behind.

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