The National Sports Commission has praised Team Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent following an outstanding performance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt.
Nigeria finished the continental competition with an impressive total of 29 medals, 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze further shows the country’s growing dominance in African weightlifting.
Chairman of the commission, Shehu Dikko, commended the athletes for their discipline, resilience and exceptional representation of the country on the continental stage.
According to Dikko, the medal haul reflects the steady progress being made across Nigerian sports and the increasing competitiveness of the country’s athletes internationally.
“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,” he said.
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Director-General of the commission, Bukola Olopade, also described the outing as another major sign of Nigeria’s growing strength across different sporting disciplines.
He noted that the performances in Egypt reflected the hard work taking place behind the scenes and expressed optimism about the future of Nigerian weightlifting on the global stage.
“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 stated.
Nigerian women power podium dominance
Nigeria’s women delivered one of the strongest performances of the championship, finishing third overall on the continent after claiming 12 gold and six silver medals.
Ruth Asuquo Nyong dominated the 48kg category by winning three gold medals, while Onome Omolola Didih also secured three gold medals in the 53kg division.
Commonwealth champion Rafiatu Folashade Lawal continued her impressive run of form after clinching another three gold medals in the 58kg category.
Liadi Taiwo added three more gold medals in the 77kg class to strengthen Nigeria’s commanding presence in the women’s events.
Elsewhere, Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele contributed three silver medals in the 63kg division, while Mary Osijo secured another three silver medals in the 79kg category after recording 95kg in snatch and 116kg in clean and jerk for a combined total of 211kg.
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In the men’s events, Favour Omovigho Agboro won one gold and two silver medals in the 65kg category.
Edidiong Joseph Umoafia also impressed in the 71kg division, where he claimed one gold and two silver medals.
Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji earned three silver medals in the 79kg category, while Lucky Joseph wrapped up Nigeria’s participation with two bronze medals in the +110kg division.
Lucky Joseph recorded lifts of 145kg in snatch and 170kg in clean and jerk for a combined total of 315kg.
Nigeria’s impressive outing in Egypt further strengthens the country’s growing reputation in international weightlifting and provides significant momentum ahead of future continental and global competitions.
