Nigerian weightlifters scoop 10 gold, 5 silver at African Championships

Nigerian lifters amassed 10 gold and five silvers medals after two days of intense competition at the ongoing African Senior Weightlifting Championships and 16th Mediterranean Cup in Ismailia, Egypt. Competing in the women’s 48kg division, Ruth Nyong Asuquo swept all three gold medals after lifting 74kg in the snatch, 93kg in the clean and jerk, […]

Nigerian lifters amassed 10 gold and five silvers medals after two days of intense competition at the ongoing African Senior Weightlifting Championships and 16th Mediterranean Cup in Ismailia, Egypt.

Competing in the women’s 48kg division, Ruth Nyong Asuquo swept all three gold medals after lifting 74kg in the snatch, 93kg in the clean and jerk, and recording a combined total of 167kg to finish ahead of athletes from Tunisia and Madagascar.

In the women’s 53kg category, Onome Omolola Didih also secured a clean sweep of three gold medals after lifting 87kg in the snatch, 105kg in the clean and jerk and finishing with an overall total of 192kg.

Rafiatu Afolashade Lawal continued Nigeria’s dominance in the women’s 58kg division by winning another three gold medals to further strengthen Team Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

Nigeria also recorded impressive performances in the men’s category through Favour Omovigho Agboro, who secured one gold and two silver medals in the men’s 65kg event after lifting 157kg in the clean and jerk to defeat Egypt’s Mohamed Mahmoud Noureldin in that segment.

Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele added to Nigeria’s medal haul with three silver medals in the women’s 63kg category following another spirited performance for Team Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the National Sports Commission (NSC) has applauded the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and Team Nigeria athletes for their outstanding performances.

Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, described the performances as a clear reflection of the renewed commitment to sporting excellence in the country.

“This exceptional outing by our weightlifters is another proud moment for Nigeria and proof that our athletes can dominate on any stage when given the right support and environment.

“The consistency, discipline and hunger shown by these athletes are truly commendable. We congratulate the federation, the coaches and the athletes for making the nation proud while also strengthening our prospects ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” Mallam Dikko stated.

Ten Nigerian athletes are representing the country at the championships in Egypt, with the remaining events expected to provide more opportunities for Team Nigeria to increase its medal tally.