The President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, has commended Team Nigeria for its exceptional performance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championships in Ismailia, Egypt, describing the outing as proof that Nigerian sports can achieve global success with proper planning, support and athlete welfare, Trybal News reports.
Nigeria’s delegation, made up of 10 athletes and three officials, Apeh Melvina Ashinedu, Sefiya Onubaye and Christopher Nwadei delivered one of the country’s finest performances on the continental stage, returning home with an impressive haul of 29 medals comprising 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze medals at the championship held from May 10 to May 17, 2026.
Reacting to the team’s remarkable showing, Dr. Abdul praised the athletes for their discipline, resilience and determination throughout the competition.
This performance is a strong statement that Nigeria remains one of the leading forces in African weightlifting. Our athletes displayed courage, focus and excellence against some of the best competitors on the continent,” Abdul stated.
The results achieved in Egypt further demonstrate that with proper preparation, motivation and support from stakeholders, Nigerian sports can compete successfully anywhere in the world. The future of weightlifting, and indeed Nigerian sports, is very promising.”
The NWF President also appreciated the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, for their continued support towards the growth of sports in the country. He equally lauded members of the NWF board for their collective efforts in ensuring the success of the team.
We are grateful to the National Sports Commission for creating the right environment for our athletes to thrive. The support from Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade boosted the morale of the athletes and inspired them to perform at their best. I must also commend members of the NWF board for their commitment and teamwork,” he added.
Nigeria’s female weightlifters once again reaffirmed their dominance on the continent by finishing top of the women’s standings with 12 gold and six silver medals. Host nation Egypt came second with six gold, 12 silver and four bronze medals, while Tunisia finished third with five gold, two silver and eight bronze medals. Mauritius placed fourth with one gold and two silver medals.
Despite fielding only four athletes in the men’s category, Nigeria still secured a commendable fourth-place finish with two gold, seven silver and two bronze medals.
Egypt topped the men’s category with 13 gold, six silver and one bronze medal, while Madagascar finished second with six gold and three silver medals. Tunisia claimed third place with three gold and eight bronze medals.
On the overall medals table, Nigeria finished second behind hosts Egypt. Egypt ended the championship with 19 gold, 18 silver and five bronze medals, while Nigeria amassed 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze medals. Tunisia placed third with eight gold, two silver and 16 bronze medals, Madagascar finished fourth with six gold and two silver medals, while Mauritius occupied fifth place with one gold and two silver medals. A total of 19 countries participated in the championship.
Several Nigerian athletes produced standout performances during the competition.
In the women’s category, Ruth Asuquo Nyong dominated the 48kg division, lifting 74kg in snatch, 93kg in clean and jerk and 167kg overall to claim three gold medals. Onome Omolola Didih also secured three gold medals in the 53kg category after lifting 87kg in snatch, 105kg in clean and jerk and 192kg total.
Rafiatu Folashade Lawal maintained her impressive form in the 58kg category, recording 95kg in snatch, 120kg in clean and jerk and 215kg overall to win another three gold medals for Nigeria.
Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele competed in the 63kg category, lifting 90kg in snatch and 110kg in clean and jerk for a combined total of 200kg to secure three silver medals.
Liadi Taiwo excelled in the 77kg category with lifts of 105kg in snatch, 138kg in clean and jerk and 243kg overall to win three gold medals, while Taiwo Mary Osijo earned three silver medals in the 86kg division after lifting 95kg in snatch, 116kg in clean and jerk and 211kg total.
In the men’s events, Favour Omovigho Agboro won one gold and two silver medals in the 65kg category with lifts of 123kg in snatch, 157kg in clean and jerk and 280kg overall.
Edidiong Joseph Umoafia also claimed one gold and two silver medals in the 71kg category after recording 141kg in snatch, 170kg in clean and jerk and 311kg total.
Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji secured three silver medals in the 79kg category with lifts of 140kg in snatch and 170kg in clean and jerk for a total of 310kg, while Lucky Joseph won two bronze medals in the +110kg category after lifting 145kg in snatch and 170kg in clean and jerk for a combined total of 315kg.
Nigeria’s contingent is expected back in the country on Monday, May 18, following the successful campaign in Egypt.
