By Jude Opara, Abuja
As the 2025 African Senior Wrestling Championship begins in Mauritius, Nigeria is already blazing the trail with the contingent topping standings with 7 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze medal.
Rafiatu Lawal (59KG) and Didih Onome (55KG) led the charge, each claiming three gold medals in their respective weight categories.
Lawal, a 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, was in a class of her own as she dominated the 59KG event with confidence and elegance.
Speaking after her feat, Lawal who was full of appreciation for the National Sports Commission (NSC) and the Wrestling Federation for their support and encouragement said she was fully prepared both mentally and physically for the championship.
“I came here prepared, and I knew I had to give it everything. The support from the Federation and the National Sports Commission has been incredible—it gave us the edge. This gold is for Nigeria,” Lawal declared with pride.
Similarly, Onome, who dazzled in the 55KG category, echoed the spirit of determination that drives the team, just as she also poured encomium on the NSC for their unflinching support.
She said; “We came to Mauritius on a mission—to show the strength of Nigerian weightlifting. Every lift is for the green and white. I dedicate these medals to Dr. Ibrahim Abdul and the NSC, whose leadership continues to inspire us.”
In addition to their stellar performances, Edidiong Joseph captured one gold and two silver medals in the 73KG category, while Tuesday Emmanuel added two silver medals and one bronze to Nigeria’s tally.
Meanwhile, medal hopefuls Omolola Matthew and Sarah Ovayioza are yet to conclude their categories, with Sarah competing on Friday, while Omolola was in action as at press time.
Motivating the team prior to the peak of the competition in Moka, the Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade announced a generous incentive package for each medal the team wins.
It could be recalled that earlier in the week, Hon. Olopade also revealed that four lifters have been upgraded into the Category A of the Elite Athletes Programme and will receive training grants totaling $20,000—beginning with an initial $5,000 payment next week.
The African Senior Weightlifting Championship comes to an end on April 28, with Team Nigeria in pole position to dominate the continental fiesta.
