NSC Congratulates Weightlifting Team As Nigeria Achieves Record Medal Haul At African Senior Championship

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has extended its congratulations to Team Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent for their outstanding performance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championship held in Ismailia, Egypt. The nation concluded the event with an impressive total of 29 medals.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Commission, praised the athletes in a statement issued on Monday, signed by Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, director of press. He commended their resilience and exemplary representation of Nigeria on the continental stage.

“This performance is a powerful affirmation that Nigerian sports is progressing in the right direction. Our athletes consistently demonstrate courage, discipline, and excellence whenever they compete internationally. Winning 29 medals at the African Championship is not merely a triumph for weightlifting; it is a proud moment for the entire nation,” he stated.

Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC, described the championship as further evidence of Nigeria’s growing strength across various sports disciplines.

“The consistency and dominance exhibited by our weightlifters in Egypt reflect the extensive hard work taking place behind the scenes. This achievement should inspire athletes nationwide to believe that with commitment and adequate support, Nigeria can remain a powerhouse in Africa and compete vigorously on the global stage. We commend the athletes, coaches, and officials for flying the Nigerian flag high,” Hon. Olopade remarked.

Nigeria concluded its participation in the championship on Saturday, adding five more medals to its tally, finishing with 14 gold, 13 silver, and 2 bronze medals.

In the women’s category, Nigeria secured a commendable third-place finish, amassing 12 gold and 6 silver medals. Ruth Asuquo Nyong shone in the 48kg category, claiming three gold medals, while Onome Omolola Didih also earned three gold medals in the 53kg division.

Commonwealth champion Rafiatu Folashade Lawal maintained her dominance in the 58kg class with another trio of gold medals, while Liadi Taiwo added three golds in the 77kg category. Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele contributed three silver medals in the 63kg event, and Mary Osijo concluded her campaign in the 79kg class with three silver medals, lifting 95kg in the snatch and 116kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 211kg.

In the men’s events, Favour Omovigho Agboro secured one gold and two silver medals in the 65kg category, while Edidiong Joseph Umoafia achieved one gold and two silver medals in the 71kg division. Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji received three silver medals in the 79kg category, and Lucky Joseph wrapped up Nigeria’s campaign in the +110kg class with two bronze medals, lifting 145kg in the snatch and 170kg in the clean and jerk for a combined total of 315kg.