NWF Boss Hails Team Nigeria After 29-Medal Haul At African Weightlifting Championships

The President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Ibrahim Abdul, has praised Team Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championships in Egypt, describing the country’s impressive medal haul as proof that Nigerian sports can excel globally with proper preparation and support.

Nigeria’s contingent returned from the continental championship in Ismailia with an impressive total of 29 medals — comprising 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze medals — following a dominant display at the week-long competition held from May 10 to May 17.

The Nigerian team, made up of 10 athletes and three officials, delivered one of the country’s finest performances in recent continental weightlifting history, finishing second overall behind hosts Egypt.

Reacting to the achievement, Abdul commended the discipline, determination and resilience shown by the athletes throughout the competition.

“This performance is a clear statement that Nigeria remains a major force in African weightlifting,” he said.

“Our athletes displayed courage, determination and excellence against some of the best lifters on the continent. The results from Egypt show that with adequate preparation, proper welfare and continuous encouragement, Nigerian sports can achieve even greater success internationally.”

The NWF president also applauded the support provided by the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade.

He also praised members of the federation’s board for their collective efforts in ensuring the team’s success.

Nigeria’s female weightlifters were particularly dominant, finishing top of the women’s category with 12 gold and six silver medals ahead of Egypt and Tunisia.

In the men’s category, Nigeria finished fourth despite competing with only four athletes, securing two gold, seven silver and two bronze medals.

Among the standout performers was Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, who continued her remarkable run by winning three gold medals in the women’s 58kg category after lifting a combined total of 215kg.

Ruth Asuquo Nyong also claimed three gold medals in the women’s 48kg division, while Onome Omolola Didih secured another three gold medals in the 53kg category.

Other medal winners included Liadi Taiwo, Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele and Taiwo Mary Osijo in the women’s events.

In the men’s division, Favour Omovigho Agboro and Edidiong Joseph Umoafia each secured one gold and two silver medals for Nigeria, while Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji won three silver medals.

Lucky Joseph completed Nigeria’s medal haul with two bronze medals in the +110kg category.

Hosts Egypt topped the overall medals table with 19 gold, 18 silver and five bronze medals, while Tunisia finished third.

Nigeria’s contingent is expected back in the country following the successful outing in Egypt, with stakeholders already describing the performance as another major boost for the nation’s growing reputation in international weightlifting.