Team Nigeria hands Commonwealth Games captaincy to Folashade Oluwafemiayo

...Her winning mentality makes her an inspiration to every member of Team Nigeria – Olopade

By Maxwell Kumoye

Nigeria's most decorated para powerlifter, Folashade Alice Oluwafemiayo, has been appointed captain of Team Nigeria for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, in recognition of her remarkable achievements and inspiring leadership.

The National Sports Commission (NSC) announced the appointment on Sunday, describing the multiple Paralympic and world champion as the ideal athlete to lead the country's contingent at the Games, scheduled to hold from July 23 to August 2.

Director-General of the NSC, Honourable Bukola Olopade, said the decision was based on merit and reflected the Commission's commitment to rewarding excellence.

"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," Olopade said.

Oluwafemiayo born in Jos, Plateau State has enjoyed a glittering career, winning multiple Paralympic, World Championship and Commonwealth Games titles while setting several world records in para powerlifting.

A four-time world champion and two-time Paralympic gold medallist, she remains one of Nigeria's most successful athletes on the global stage.

At the 2021 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Tbilisi, Georgia, the 41 year old powerlifter won gold and set a world record of 152.5kg, further underlining her dominance in the sport. She also retained her Commonwealth Games title by winning gold in the women's heavyweight event at the Birmingham 2022 Games.

Her appointment is also a recognition of the immense contributions of Nigeria's para athletes, who have consistently been among the nation's biggest medal winners at major international competitions.

At the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Nigeria finished with 35 medals:

★ 12 gold

★ 9 silver

★ 14 bronze

Significantly, all 12 gold medals were won by female athletes, highlighting the pivotal role of women in the country's success.

Oluwafemiayo was among the gold medallists, adding another Commonwealth title to her illustrious career.

Folashade Alice Oluwafemiayo who is married to another Paralympic athlete, with whom she has a child, also served as one of Nigeria's flagbearers during the opening ceremony in Birmingham alongside javelin thrower Nnamdi Chinecherem, a role that reflected her status as one of the country's leading sporting icons.

Team Nigeria will travel to Glasgow with a blend of experienced champions and emerging talents across several sports, aiming to build on the achievements of Birmingham 2022 and deliver another memorable performance.

The National Sports Commission expressed confidence that under Oluwafemiayo's leadership, the team will compete with excellence, discipline and sportsmanship while striving for podium finishes that will make the nation proud.

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