Nigeria’s weightlifting excellence was once again on full display as Liadi Taiwo delivered a remarkable three-medal performance at the 2026 Oceania Weightlifting Championships in Apia, Samoa.
Competing at a prestigious event held alongside the Universal Weightlifting Cup and the Commonwealth Championships, Taiwo stood out in a highly competitive field of over 500 athletes from more than 70 countries. Her performance not only reaffirmed her consistency on the global stage but also underscored Nigeria’s rising influence in international weightlifting.
In the women’s 77kg category, Taiwo produced an impressive series of lifts to secure silver in all three events. She opened with a 105kg lift in the snatch, followed by a 135kg effort in the clean and jerk, before sealing a total of 240kg, completing a clean sweep of silver medals.
The achievement highlights her discipline, technical precision, and steady progression in the sport. Since her silver medal finish at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, where she also set a junior Commonwealth record in the clean and jerk, Taiwo has continued to establish herself as one of Nigeria’s most reliable performers on the international stage.
President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Ibrahim Abdul, praised her performance, describing it as a reflection of the federation’s sustained commitment to excellence and athlete development.
This is a proud moment for Nigeria and for our federation. Liadi Taiwo has once again demonstrated the strength, focus, and quality we continue to nurture in our athletes. Her performance is both inspiring and a clear example of what can be achieved with the right support system.”
He further emphasized the broader impact of her success, noting that such results validate ongoing efforts to provide international exposure for Nigerian lifters.
Also speaking, the Federation’s Secretary, Apeh Melvina Ashinedu, expressed appreciation to key stakeholders for their support.
We sincerely thank the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, the Director General, Bukola Olopade, our President, and the entire board for their unwavering commitment. This achievement reflects what is possible through unity, collaboration, and a shared vision for athlete success.”
The championships, hosted by the Samoa Weightlifting Federation from April 25 to May 1, brought together elite competitors from across the globe, making Taiwo’s triple silver feat even more significant.
Beyond the medals, her performance in Samoa sends a strong message about consistency, resilience, and Nigeria’s growing presence as a force in world weightlifting.
