Idris Riluwan Wins Gold for Nigeria in Glasgow Games

At the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Team Nigeria achieved significant success in para-powerlifting, winning three gold and three silver medals. Idris Riluwan, who was not initially expected to win gold, was encouraged by National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Shehu Dikko and DG Bukola Olopade, who promised him a $10,000 bonus if he won.

Riluwan, who had limited financial resources, was motivated by the prospect of a total of $15,000. He began his lifts at 200kg, successfully lifted 208kg, but failed at 212kg.

Competitors Sudhir from India and Tahiru Haruna from Ghana attempted to surpass him but failed. Ultimately, Riluwan topped the coefficient calculations with 132.8 points, securing the gold medal, while Matthew Harding from England took silver with 131.0 points, and Nicodemus Manggoi Moses from Malaysia won bronze with 120.3 points.