Nigeria Dominates African Weightlifting Champs with 29 Medal

The National Sports Commission has congratulated Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent after the team produced a record performance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, finishing with 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze medals — a total of 29 medals.

NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko described the haul as a proud moment for the country.

“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,” Dikko said.

Director General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, said the achievement underscored Nigeria’s growing multi-sport strength.

“The consistency and dominance displayed by our weightlifters in Egypt clearly reflect 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,” he said.

Nigeria’s women were particularly dominant, winning 12 gold and six silver medals to finish third on the continental standings. Ruth Nyong led the charge in the 48kg category with three gold medals, while Onome Didih matched that feat in the 53kg division.

Commonwealth champion Rafiatu Lawal swept the 58kg class for another three-gold performance, and Liadi Taiwo claimed three golds in the 77kg category. Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele picked up three silvers in the 63kg event, while Mary Osijo closed out the women’s campaign in the 79kg class with three silvers, lifting 95kg in the snatch and 116kg in the clean and jerk for a combined 211kg.

In the men’s events, Favour Agboro delivered one gold and two silvers in the 65kg category, and Edidiong Umoafia matched that return in the 71kg division. Adedapo Opadeji earned three silvers in the 79kg category, while Lucky Joseph rounded off Nigeria’s campaign in the +110kg class with two bronze medals after lifting 145kg in the snatch and 170kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 315kg.

The championship doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and Nigeria’s women’s contingent was anchored by Asuquo, Didih and Lawal, who each swept their respective weight categories during the early stages of competition.

Nigeria Weightlifting Federation President Dr Ibrahim Abdul expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Dikko and Olopade for their support throughout the campaign.

“Your unwavering commitment to sports development continues to inspire Nigerian athletes to excel and make the nation proud on the international stage,” Abdul said.