Team Nigeria on Thursday won a total of 12 medals to top the table on the first day of the ongoing African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that four out of the six lifters who represented the country won seven gold, four silver, and one bronze medal.
Rafiatu Lawal (59kg) and Didih Onome (55kg) led the onslaught, each claiming three gold medals in their respective weight categories.
Lawal, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medalist, dominated the 59kg event with confidence and poise.
“I came here well-prepared, and I knew I had to give it my all.
“The support from the Federation and the National Sports Commission has been incredible. It gave us the edge. This gold is for Nigeria,” she said.
Onome, who excelled in the 55kg category, echoed the spirit of determination that drives the team.
“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 Ibrahim Abdul and the NSC, whose leadership continues to inspire us,” she said
In addition to their outstanding performances, Edidiong Joseph captured one gold and two silver medals in the 73kg category.
Tuesday Emmanuel added two silver medals and one bronze to Nigeria’s tally.
Medal prospects Omolola Matthew and Sarah Ovayioza are yet to conclude their categories, with Sarah competing on Friday (today) and Omolola still in action as of press time.
Motivating the team prior to the peak of the competition, the Director-General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, announced a generous incentive package for each medal the team wins.
Earlier in the week, Olopade also revealed that four lifters have been upgraded to Category A of the Elite Athletes Programme, which includes training grants totalling $20,000, with an initial payment of $5,000 next week.
The six lifters representing Nigeria are Didih Onome (55kg), Rafiatu Lawal (59kg), Tuesday Emmanuel (67kg), Umoafia Edidiong Joseph (73kg), Imoleayo Ayodele (64kg), and Sarah Ovayioza (76kg).
Nigeria’s participation in the championship will be concluded on Friday (today) with Ayodele Imoleayo featuring in the 64kg category and Sarah Ovayioza competing in the 76kg women’s category.
The 2025 Africa Weightlifting Championship, which started on April 23 in Moka, Mauritius, is expected to end on April 28.
