Nigeria Shines in Oran as Rita Ferdinard Sets New African Record at African Open Para Powerlifting Championship

Team Nigeria continued its impressive outing at the African Open Para Powerlifting Championship in Oran, Algeria, delivering another dominant performance on Friday as the country closed the day with an impressive haul of five gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

The Nigerian contingent once again demonstrated strength and technical excellence across several weight categories, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s leading para powerlifting nations.

In the women’s 41kg category, Nigeria’s Anifat Ganiyu claimed gold after a commanding display that set the tone for another successful day for Team Nigeria.

In the women’s 50kg category, Ajiboye Rukayat delivered a brilliant performance to secure gold for Nigeria, while compatriot Nworgu Esther added to the medal tally with a silver medal finish in the same category.

Nigeria’s dominance in the women’s events continued in the 73kg category where Ani Chiamaka powered her way to another gold medal finish for Team Nigeria.

The highlight of the day, however, came in the women’s 79kg category where Ferdinard Rita produced a historic performance to not only win gold but also set a new African record. Rita successfully lifted 138kg to secure the gold medal before raising the bar further with a successful 148kg lift. Determined to make history, she went for the African record and achieved it in remarkable fashion with an incredible 154kg lift, drawing applause from spectators and officials at the championship.

In the men’s 88kg category, Riluwan Idris Sabo also contributed to the country’s medal haul with a bronze medal performance.

Closing Friday, Team Nigeria stood with a total of five gold, two silver and two bronze medals, further underlining the nation’s strong presence at the continental championship and boosting confidence ahead of the remaining events in the competition.