Nigeria’s weightlifting team has made history at the ongoing African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Moka, Mauritius, with a record-breaking 15 medals,10 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze—won by just five lifters.
The gold rush began early, with Onome Omolola Didih dominating the Women’s 55kg category. She lifted 92kg in the snatch and 111kg in the Clean & Jerk, earning a total of 203kg and claiming all three gold medals in her category.
Her flawless performance left her competitors fighting for the remaining silver and bronze.
Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, a multiple African champion and Commonwealth Games gold medalist, continued Nigeria’s dominance in the Women’s 59kg category. With a 95kg snatch, 118kg Clean & Jerk, and a combined total of 213kg, Lawal bagged three more golds for the team.
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Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele followed suit in the Women’s 64kg, also securing three gold medals with lifts of 93kg in the snatch, 120kg in the Clean & Jerk, and a total of 213kg. Her victory further boosted Nigeria’s growing medal tally.
Umoafia Joseph Edidiong added to the success in the Men’s 73kg category, earning a gold and two silver medals. Edidiong’s impressive lifts of 147kg in the snatch, 172kg in the Clean & Jerk, and a combined total of 319kg were instrumental in pushing Nigeria to the top of the medal table.
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In the Men’s 67kg category, Tuesday Emmanuel earned two silver medals and a bronze, with a 130kg snatch, 146kg Clean & Jerk, and a total of 276kg.
With all five Nigerian lifters winning multiple medals, the team has placed itself firmly at the top of the standings. The country’s incredible success looks set to continue, as Sarah Ovayioza Matthew prepares to compete in the Women’s 76kg category in the evening session, bringing hope for even more medals.
Nigeria’s remarkable success at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship has made waves in Mauritius, solidifying the country’s reputation as a powerhouse in the sport.
