NSC Applauds Team Nigeria’s Remarkable Weightlifting Achievement

NSC Applauds Team Nigeria’s Remarkable Weightlifting Achievement

By Niyi Busari 

The National Sports Commission has congratulated Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent following their impressive outing at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, where Team Nigeria secured a remarkable total of 29 medals, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria concluded the continental competition with 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze medals, reaffirming the country’s status as one of Africa’s leading forces in weightlifting.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, praised the athletes for their resilience, discipline and outstanding representation of the country on the continental stage.

“This performance is a strong statement that Nigerian sports is moving in the right direction. Our athletes have continued to show courage, discipline and excellence whenever they compete internationally. Winning 29 medals at the African Championship is not only a victory for weightlifting but also a proud achievement for the nation,” Dikko stated.

Director-General of the commission, Bukola Olopade, described the performance as another indication of Nigeria’s growing strength across multiple sporting disciplines.

“The consistency and dominance displayed by our weightlifters in Egypt clearly reflect the hard work being done behind the scenes. This achievement should inspire athletes across the country to believe that with commitment and proper support, Nigeria can continue to compete strongly both in Africa and globally,” Olopade said.

Nigeria rounded off the championship on Saturday with five additional medals to strengthen its overall tally.

In the women’s events, Team Nigeria finished third overall on the continent after winning 12 gold and six silver medals.

Ruth Asuquo Nyong delivered a dominant performance in the 48kg category, claiming three gold medals, while Onome Omolola Didih also secured three gold medals in the 53kg division.

Commonwealth champion Rafiatu Folashade Lawal continued her impressive form by winning another three gold medals in the 58kg class, while Liadi Taiwo added three more gold medals in the 77kg category.

Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele contributed three silver medals in the 63kg event, while Mary Osijo secured three silver medals in the 79kg class after lifting 95kg in snatch and 116kg in clean and jerk for a combined total of 211kg.

In the men’s category, Favour Omovigho Agboro won one gold and two silver medals in the 65kg division, while Edidiong Joseph Umoafia also claimed one gold and two silver medals in the 71kg category.

Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji earned three silver medals in the 79kg division, while Lucky Joseph concluded Nigeria’s participation with two bronze medals in the +110kg category after recording lifts of 145kg in snatch and 170kg in clean and jerk for a total of 315kg.

The strong performance in Egypt further highlights Nigeria’s growing reputation in international weightlifting and provides momentum ahead of future continental and global competitions.