Edidiong Umoafia Plans to Buy Training Equipment, Car After Commonwealth Games Gold
Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist Edidiong Joseph Umoafia has revealed how he plans to use his prize money after winning the men’s 71kg weightlifting event at the Glasgow 2026 Games.
Edidiong said he wants to buy more training equipment and a car to make it easier for him to move around when he returns to Nigeria.
Umoafia won gold on Monday, improving on the bronze medal he claimed at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Speaking after his victory, the Nigerian weightlifter admitted that winning gold was not easy, but said years of hard work helped him reach the top.
“It was not easy for me, but I had to try my hardest after the last Commonwealth Games,” Umoafia said.
“After I won bronze in Birmingham, I went back and trained hard, every day, every chance, every minute, and I tried to use my time well. I used all my thinking for this moment, for this day.”
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has introduced a financial reward package for Team Nigeria athletes who finish on the podium at the Games.
Under the package, every Nigerian gold medallist will receive $10,000, made up of an instant $5,000 cash reward and another $5,000 paid directly into the athlete’s account.
Umoafia said the financial support will help him invest in his career as he looks to build on his success and continue competing at the highest level.
