NWF President Hails Team Nigeria’s Dominance at Africa Weightlifting Championship

By Amaechi Agbo

The President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, has applauded the outstanding performance of Team Nigeria at the just concluded 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championships held in Ismailia, Egypt.

He descried the feat as a strong indication that Nigerian sports can attain greater heights with proper preparation, support and motivation.

Nigeria’s contingent of 10 athletes and three officials namely Apeh Melvina Ashinedu, Sefiya Onubaye and Christopher Nwadei delivered one of the country’s most impressive outings on the continental stage.

The team won a total of 29 medals made up of 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze during the championship which lasted from May 10 to May 17, 2026.

Dr Abdul praised the athletes’ commitment, discipline and fighting spirit throughout the competition.

“This performance is a clear statement that Nigeria remains a major force in African weightlifting. Our athletes showed courage, determination and excellence against the best on the continent,” Dr Abdul said.

“The result from Egypt proves that with adequate preparations, proper welfare and continuous encouragement from stakeholders, Nigerian sports can compete favourably anywhere in the world. The future of weightlifting and indeed Nigerian sports is very bright.”

The NWF President expressed appreciation to the Federal Government, the National Sports Commission headed by Shehu Dikko and Director-General, Bukola Olopade, for their support and commitment to the development of sports in the country.

He equally commended members of the NWF board for their collective efforts towards the success of the team.

“We are deeply grateful to the National Sports Commission for creating an enabling environment for our athletes to excel. The support from Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade gave the athletes confidence and motivation to perform at their best. I must also appreciate the NWF board members for their unwavering commitment and teamwork,” he added.

Nigeria’s women weightlifters once again underlined their dominance in Africa by finishing first overall in the women’s category with 12 gold and six silver medals. Hosts Egypt finished second with six gold, 12 silver and four bronze medals, while Tunisia came third with five gold, two silver and eight bronze medals. Mauritius placed fourth with one gold and two silver medals.

Despite competing with only four athletes in the men’s category, Nigeria still secured a commendable fourth-place finish with two gold, seven silver and two bronze medals.

Egypt topped the men’s standings with 13 gold, six silver and one bronze medal. Madagascar finished second with six gold and three silver medals, while Tunisia placed third with three gold and eight bronze medals.

On the overall medals table, Nigeria finished second behind hosts Egypt. Egypt amassed 19 gold, 18 silver and five bronze medals, while Nigeria secured 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze medals. Tunisia placed third with eight gold, two silver and 16 bronze medals, Madagascar finished fourth with six gold and two silver medals, while Mauritius occupied fifth position with one gold and two silver medals. 19 countries took part in the championship.

The individual performances of the Nigerian athletes were equally remarkable.

In the women’s events, Ruth Asuquo Nyong competed in the 48kg category and lifted 74kg in snatch, 93kg in clean and jerk and 167kg total to win three gold medals. Onome Omolola Didih dominated the 53kg category with lifts of 87kg in snatch, 105kg in clean and jerk and 192kg total to also claim three gold medals.

Rafiatu Folashade Lawal continued her impressive form in the 58kg category, recording 95kg in snatch, 120kg in clean and jerk and 215kg overall to win another three gold medals for Nigeria. Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele competed in the 63kg category where she lifted 90kg in snatch and 110kg in clean and jerk for a total of 200kg to secure three silver medals.

Liadi Taiwo excelled in the 77kg category with 105kg in snatch, 138kg in clean and jerk and 243kg total to win three gold medals, while Taiwo Mary Osijo claimed three silver medals in the 86kg category after lifting 95kg in snatch, 116kg in clean and jerk and 211kg overall.

In the men’s category, Favour Omovigho Agboro competed in the 65kg division and lifted 123kg in snatch, 157kg in clean and jerk and 280kg total to win one gold and two silver medals.

Edidiong Joseph Umoafia also secured one gold and two silver medals in the 71kg category with lifts of 141kg in snatch, 170kg in clean and jerk and 311kg total.

Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji recorded 140kg in snatch and 170kg in clean and jerk for a total of 310kg in the 79kg category to win three silver medals, while Lucky Joseph lifted 145kg in snatch and 170kg in clean and jerk for a total of 315kg in the +110kg category to earn two bronze medals.

Nigeria’s contingent is expected back in the country on Monday, May 18, following the successful outing in Egypt.