At just 22 years old, Edidiong Joseph Umoafia has already made an indelible mark on the world of weightlifting, earning a reputation as one of Nigeria’s brightest young stars.
His name, “Edidiong,” meaning “Blessing” in the Ibibio language of Akwa Ibom State, seems to perfectly encapsulate his impact: a true blessing not just for Nigeria but for the global weightlifting community.
Umoafia’s rise reached new heights at the 2025 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Moka, Mauritius, where he delivered an unforgettable performance in the Men’s 73kg category.
There, he secured one gold medal and two silver medals, lifting 147kg in the snatch, 172kg in the Clean & Jerk, and achieving an impressive total of 319kg. His performance was a key factor in helping Nigeria top the medals table, reaffirming his status as one of the sport’s rising stars.
Umoafia and his Tunisian counterpart after the medal presentation at the 2025 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Moka, Mauritius. Photo Credit: X
Yet, despite his remarkable success, Umoafia remains humble, acknowledging there’s always room for improvement.
“I’m happy to contribute to Nigeria’s success, but I know I could’ve done even better,” Umoafia shared. “There were some small mistakes, and if I work on those, I believe I could achieve even higher numbers.”
This growth mindset is what sets Umoafia apart—each victory is a stepping stone, and each mistake is seen as an opportunity to become stronger.
Early Triumphs: Setting National Records
Umoafia’s journey to greatness began on the national stage, where he first demonstrated his incredible potential. In 2018, he earned two golds and one silver at the National Sports Festival in Abuja. His success continued in 2020, where he clinched three gold medals and set new National Records at the National Sports Festival in Edo State.
In 2021, Umoafia set a National Record in the Men’s 67kg category at the Champion of Champions National Weightlifting Championship in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He lifted 130kg in the snatch, 160kg in the Clean & Jerk, and a total of 290kg, claiming three gold medals.
Edidiong during the Champion of Champions National Weightlifting Championship in Uyo. Photo Credit: X
This victory marked the beginning of his remarkable rise in the sport, signaling that this “Blessing” was destined for bigger things.
International Glory: Commonwealth and African Success
Umoafia continued his ascent in 2021 when he competed at the Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships, where he earned a silver medal in the Men’s 67kg category. His consistent excellence on the international stage was evident, paving the way for his debut at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
There, Umoafia proved his mettle by securing a bronze medal in the Men’s 67kg event, competing against some of the world’s top lifters.
In 2023, Umoafia made an even bigger statement at the African Games. Competing in the Men’s 67kg category, he won all three gold medals in snatch, clean & jerk, and total. He lifted 135kg in the snatch, 165kg in the clean and jerk, and achieved a total of 300kg, making him one of the most promising young talents in the sport.
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In 2024, Umoafia made history once again at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Egypt. There, he lifted a remarkable 144kg in the snatch, 170kg in the Clean & Jerk, and achieved a total of 314kg, setting a new National Record in the Men’s 73kg category.
Edidiong in action at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Egypt. Photo Credit: WFA
His achievements continued to demonstrate his consistent ability to push boundaries and set new records.
A ‘Blessing’ for Nigerian Weightlifting
Umoafia’s rise to prominence is not just a personal triumph—it’s a significant achievement for Nigerian weightlifting as a whole. His success has brought international recognition to the country’s weightlifting program, inspiring future generations of athletes and reinforcing Nigeria’s status as a powerhouse in the sport.
“I’m grateful for the support from the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and the National Sports Commission,” Umoafia said.
“They made it possible for me to compete at the highest level and achieve these results. It’s a privilege to represent my country, and I’m committed to making even greater contributions to Nigeria’s success.”
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Umoafia is just getting started. As his career continues to soar, he remains focused on improving and setting even higher standards. “I’ll go back, train harder, and work on the areas where I made mistakes,” he shared. “There’s always room for improvement, and I’m excited for the challenges ahead.”
At only 22 years old, Umoafia has already accomplished more than many athletes achieve in a lifetime. His journey is far from over, and with each new victory, he lives up to his name: a blessing for Nigerian weightlifting and a rising star on the world stage.
