Para-Powerlifting: Onyinyechi Mark Smashes World, African Records on Final Day

By Amaechi Agbo

Team Nigeria wrapped up its impressive outing at the African Open Para-Powerlifting Championships in Oran, Algeria, ending the final day of individual events, with an additional three medals comprising two gold and one silver, while also recording new African and World records.

At the end of its participation, Nigeria’s total tally at the championships stood at 13 medals, consisting of seven gold, three silver, and three bronze medals.

On the final day. Nigeria’s medal rush was headlined by Mark Onyinyechi Gift in the women’s 67kg category. She delivered a historic performance by breaking the African record and also setting a new World Record, underscoring Nigeria’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in para-powerlifting.

Another outstanding moment was the remarkable performance of Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who claimed gold in the women’s +86kg category.

In the women’s 50kg category, Anigbogu Chikordi Esther secured a silver medal after lifting 114kg, finishing closely behind her compatriot, Ajiboye Rukayat, who won the gold medal with a lift of 115kg in a fiercely contested all-Nigerian battle for the podium’s top spot.

The performances of the Nigerian athletes in Oran demonstrated the country’s excellence and the sustained efforts to dominate para-powerlifting across Africa and beyond.