NSC Felicitates With Weightlifting Contingent, as Nigeria Finishes African Senior Championship With Record Medal Haul
The National Sports Commission has congratulated Team Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent for their remarkable performance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, where the nation finished with an impressive haul of 29 medals.
Chairman of the Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, praised the athletes for their resilience and outstanding representation of the country on the continental stage.
“This performance is a strong statement that Nigerian sports is moving in the right direction. Our athletes have continued to show courage, discipline and excellence whenever they step onto the international stage.
“Winning 29 medals at the African Championship is not just a victory for weightlifting, but a proud moment for the entire nation,” he said.
Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, described the championship outing as another indication of the country’s growing strength across different sports.
“The consistency and dominance displayed by our weightlifters in Egypt clearly reflects the hard work going on behind the scenes. This achievement should inspire other athletes across the country to believe that with commitment and proper support, Nigeria can remain a powerhouse in Africa and compete strongly globally. We commend the athletes, coaches and officials for flying the Nigerian flag high,” Hon. Olopade stated.
Nigeria rounded off its participation at the championship on Saturday with five additional medals to close the competition with a total of 14 gold, 13 silver and 2 bronze medals.
In the women’s category, Nigeria secured a third-place continental finish after winning 12 gold and 6 silver medals. Ruth Asuquo Nyong dazzled in the 48kg category with three gold medals, while Onome Omolola Didih also claimed three gold medals in the 53kg division.
Commonwealth champion Rafiatu Folashade Lawal maintained her dominance in the 58kg class with another three gold medals, while Liadi Taiwo added three gold medals in the 77kg category.
Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele contributed three silver medals in the 63kg event, while Mary Osijo wrapped up her campaign in the 79kg class with three silver medals after lifting 95kg in snatch and 116kg in clean and jerk for a total of 211kg.
In the men’s events, Favour Omovigho Agboro won one gold and two silver medals in the 65kg category, while Edidiong Joseph Umoafia also secured one gold and two silver medals in the 71kg division.
Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji earned three silver medals in the 79kg category, and Lucky Joseph concluded Nigeria’s campaign in the +110kg class with two bronze medals after lifting 145kg in snatch and 170kg in clean and jerk for a combined total of 315 kg.
