Africa Youth Games: Team Nigeria Sweeps 9 Medals In Weightlifting

Nigeria made an impressive start in the weightlifting events at the ongoing 4th African Youth Games in Angola, winning a total of eight gold medals and one silver on day one of the competition on Thursday.

Favour Cornelius led the charge in the 44kg category with an outstanding performance, winning three gold medals after lifting 50kg in the snatch, 64kg in the clean and jerk, and finishing with a total of 114kg.

In the 48kg division, Esther Chidalu Ezenwa delivered another triple-gold display for Nigeria. She recorded 63kg in the snatch, 77kg in the clean and jerk, and posted a combined total of 140kg to top the category.

Chinaza Cecelia Ezenwa continued Nigeria’s golden run in the 53kg category, winning two gold medals and one silver.

She lifted 65kg in the snatch to claim silver, before responding strongly with gold in the clean and jerk at 83kg and gold in the total with an impressive 148kg.

Nigeria’s medal haul stood at eight gold medals and one silver on Day 1 of the weightlifting event, marking a dominant opening performance at the 4th African Youth Games and setting a strong run for the rest of the competition.