Nigeria Dominates African Senior Weightlifting Championship with 7 Gold Medals
Nigeria’s weightlifting team has taken center stage at the ongoing African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius, securing an impressive medal haul of 7 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze to top the continental competition.
Star Performers Lead Nigeria’s Charge
The team’s remarkable success has been spearheaded by Commonwealth Games champion Rafiatu Lawal and rising star Didih Onome, who each claimed three gold medals in their respective weight categories.
Champions Speak on Their Victories
Lawal, the 2022 Commonwealth gold medalist, dominated the 59kg event with technical precision. “I came here prepared, and I knew I had to give it everything,” she said. “The support from the Federation and National Sports Commission has been incredible—it gave us the edge. This gold is for Nigeria.”
Onome shared her teammate’s determination: “We came to Mauritius on a mission—to show the strength of Nigerian weightlifting. Every lift is for the green and white. I dedicate these medals to Dr. Ibrahim Abdul and the NSC, whose leadership continues to inspire us.”
Additional Medal Winners
Other standout performers include:
- Edidiong Joseph (1 gold, 2 silver in 73kg)
- Tuesday Emmanuel (2 silver, 1 bronze)
With medal prospects Omolola Matthew and Sarah Ovayioza yet to compete, Nigeria’s medal tally is expected to grow further.
NSC Boosts Team Morale with Financial Incentives
National Sports Commission Director General Bukola Olopade provided significant motivation for the team during a visit to Mauritius, announcing:
- $3,800 cash donation to athletes and officials
- Four athletes selected for the Elite Athletes Programme ($20,000 annual training grant)
- Initial $5,000 installment to be paid next week
With the championship continuing through April 28, Team Nigeria remains positioned to extend its dominance in African weightlifting.
Credit: Persecond News