Latest News

Why Umoafia turned down a lucrative offer to bring glory to Akwa Ibom at Gateway Games 2024

Edidiong Umoafia rejected huge cash offer to stay loyal to Akwa Ibom and swept three golds at the Gateway Games 2024. Find out why

Edidiong Umoafia has once again proven why he’s widely regarded as Nigeria’s brightest weightlifting talent competing for Team Akwa Ibom at the ongoing 22nd National Sports Festival- Gateway Games 2024.

Umoafia, 22, swept the weightlifting 73 kg category with three commanding gold medal extending an unbeaten domestic run that has lasted since 2018.

The Akwa Ibom native, whose name “Edidiong” fittingly means “Blessing” in the Ibibio language, has become a beacon of consistency and pride in Nigerian sport.

But behind his commanding performances lies a tale of unwavering loyalty and quiet resilience. In an exclusive interview with Athletic NG and Prime Sports Radio Enugu, Umoafia disclosed that he turned down a substantial financial offer from the host state, Ogun, to switch allegiance ahead of the festival.

“Ogun State called me and offered a huge amount of money,” he said. “But I turned it down just to represent my state and make us proud.”

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ATHLETIC NG WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW!

Governor Dapo Abiodun had announced cash rewards of ₦2.5 million for gold medallists, ₦1.5 million for silver, and ₦1 million for bronze – a lucrative incentive for athletes representing Ogun at the 22nd National Sports Festival (NSF). In contrast, Akwa Ibom has made no such public commitments.

Edidiong Umoafia rejected huge cash offer to stay loyal to Akwa Ibom and swept three golds at the Gateway Games 2024. Find out why

Umoafia with his Gold Medals at Gateway Games 2024. Photo Credit: X

Yet for Umoafia, the decision was never about money, but about meaning.

“There are many athletes earning more for their efforts, but I’ve made a promise to myself to keep winning for Akwa Ibom,” he said. “I just hope that one day, our government will recognise and celebrate those of us who continue to give everything for the state.”

Despite setbacks, including injuries and what he describes as a lack of recognition, Umoafia has remained steadfast.

“It’s a long process, it takes dedication, hard work, patience, and time. I’ve gone through a lot. “He remarked at the medal ceremony at Ikenne Civic Centre.

READ MORE: 13-year-old-tofunmi-stuns-the-nation-with-historic-swim-for-oyo-at-gateway-games-2024

His international credentials are equally impressive. Umoafia clinched bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham and made history with a treble gold performance at the 2024 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Accra — Nigeria’s only top-podium finish at the event.

Edidiong Umoafia rejected huge cash offer to stay loyal to Akwa Ibom and swept three golds at the Gateway Games 2024. Find out why

Edidiong in action at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Egypt. Photo Credit: WFA

Yet, accolades from home have remained elusive.

“I remain hopeful that one day I’ll get the celebration my efforts and achievements deserve,” he said. “I hope that through the efforts of our Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, and Honourable Commissioner Elder Paul Bassey, things will change.”

Looking forward, Umoafia has his sights set on the global stage. With just a month before the Commonwealth Games qualifiers in India, he’s also preparing for the All African Games in Egypt, the Commonwealth Games in Scotland, and the ultimate dream the Olympics.

He used the opportunity to call for support not just for himself, but for Nigeria’s sporting community at large.

“This is more than sport,” he said. “It’s about pride, identity, and the belief that with the right support, we can lift not just weights but our country.”

From his first major breakthrough at the 2018 National Sports Festival in Abuja to setting national records at the 2020 edition in Edo, and most recently his 319kg combined lift at the 2025 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius.

Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Popular

To Top