Nigeria has opened its medal account at the ongoing 2025 Africa Weightlifting Youth/Junior Championship in Accra, Ghana. Rising star Ezenwa Chinaza Cecilia delivered an exceptional performance, clinching two gold medals and one silver medal in the 48kg youth category yesterday.
Competing against the continent’s best young lifters, Chinaza showcased remarkable strength, composure, and technical brilliance, emerging as one of the standout athletes of the competition thus far.
Her victory marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to develop youth talent in weightlifting and solidifies her position as a future star for the national team.
The championship, organised by the Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA) in partnership with the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, commenced on 15th August and will conclude on 26th August in Accra.
Nigeria is represented at the competition by two athletes: Ezenwa Chinaza Cecilia (48kg youth) and Florence Oluwadamilare Olarinoye (58kg youth), accompanied by Coach Odurinde Ruth Jumoke and Technical Official Onubaye Sefiya.
While Chinaza has already secured Nigeria’s first set of medals, attention now turns to Florence Olarinoye, who is set to compete in her 58kg weight category on Tuesday, 19th August. Florence, another promising young athlete, is expected to build on the momentum and contribute to Nigeria’s medal tally.
It is important to recognise the critical role played by Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Aladi, the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), who personally funded the entire trip to ensure that the young lifters could participate in this continental event.
This commendable gesture came at no cost to the Nigeria Sports Commission, underscoring his unwavering commitment to grassroots development and international exposure for young Nigerian athletes.
Dr. Abdul, who was recently re-elected for a second term as President of the NWF, continues to demonstrate visionary leadership, prioritising investment in the future of Nigerian weightlifting. His support has not only provided these athletes with the opportunity to compete on an international stage but has also inspired confidence in the next generation of lifters.
According to an official communication from Dorathy Benard Okpo, Assistant Secretary of the NWF, arrangements for Nigeria’s participation were promptly made upon invitation from the WFA, ensuring seamless representation at the championship.
With Chinaza Cecilia’s brilliant start and Florence Olarinoye’s competition still ahead, Team Nigeria is poised for a successful outing in Accra. The NWF and all sports-loving Nigerians will be watching closely as these young lifters continue to make the nation proud.
