Team Nigeria has departed for Oran, Algeria, ahead of the 2026 African Open Para-Powerlifting Championships as the nation intensifies its pursuit of continental success in para sports, Trybal News reports.
Nigeria will be represented by a 13-member para-powerlifting team made up of 10 female and three male athletes at the championship taking place from May 18 to 25.
The athletes selected to represent the country are Ajiboye Rukayat, Ani Chiamaka, Anigbogu Franka, Dauda Ibrahim, Ezuruike Roland, Ferdinard Rita, Ganiyu Anifat, Idris Riluwan Sabo, Mark Onyinyechi Gift, Nworgu Esther, Ogundolie Tolulope, Oluwafemiayo Folashade and Oyema Esther.
The Nigerian delegation departed on Monday ahead of the start of the competition, which is expected to attract elite para-powerlifters from across the continent and beyond.
A total of 23 countries are expected to participate in the championship, including host nation Algeria, alongside Egypt, Morocco, Kenya, Ghana, Angola and Nigeria, underlining the growing stature of the event as one of Africa’s premier para-sport competitions.
Nigeria heads into the tournament with strong confidence, backed by its consistent dominance and impressive achievements in para-powerlifting at both continental and international levels.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, charged the athletes to compete with determination and aim for podium finishes while proudly representing Nigeria’s reputation as a powerhouse in African para sports.
The African Open Para-Powerlifting Championships will officially run from May 21 to 24, with athletes battling for honours across various weight categories in what is expected to be a fiercely contested competition.
