By Jude Opara, Abuja
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has extolled the Team Nigeria for their superlative performance at the 2025 African Senior Weightlifting Championship which ends tomorrow in Moka, Mauritius.
The Nigerian contingent delivered a dominant showing, finishing their campaign with an impressive 18 medals — 13 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze — solidifying Nigeria’s reputation as a leading force in African weightlifting.
Reacting to the team’s excellent performance, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, praised the weightlifters for their dedication and patriotism.
Dikko said their achievement was not just for the weight lifters but the entire country who solidly stood behind them during the championship.
“This is a resounding victory not just for our athletes, but for the entire nation. Our weightlifters have displayed remarkable resilience and determination throughout this championship. Their success is a testament to the hard work they have put in, and the unwavering support they have received. This performance proves that with the right support and focus, Nigeria can continue to dominate in international sports arenas.
“I urge the athletes to remain focused and continue striving for excellence, as bigger stages like the World Championships and Commonwealth Games await. The NSC remains committed to providing all necessary support to help you reach even greater heights,” Dikko concluded.
In his own reaction, Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, equally expressed deep pride in the athletes’ accomplishments, emphasizing that their performance has lifted the spirit of the entire nation.
“We are solidly behind you,” Olopade stated. “When I visited you before the championship, I made a promise — that you would be rewarded for your hard work. Today, I’m glad that you will smile home not only with medals but with well-deserved credit alerts.
“You have not disappointed the country nor the larger sporting family. You have made us proud, and you have lifted the spirit of millions of Nigerians. I encourage you to continue in this fighting spirit, to prepare even harder for future events. You are true champions and dogged fighters.”
Team Nigeria’s campaign was highlighted by sterling performances from several athletes, including Sarah Ovayioza, who clinched three gold medals in the women’s 76kg category, and Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele, who delivered a clean sweep in the 64kg division. Onome Omolola Didih in the 55kg category and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal in the 59kg category, both securing three gold medals each in their respective categories.
Additionally, Team Nigeria was named best female team of the tournament, which was reflected in the series of gold medals the Nigerian ladies claimed against all comers. Also, Onome Didih was rated the best lifter in the women category of the championship, a gong she deserved after dominating the 55kg class.
Apart from the monetary incentives for the athletes, four of them have now been classed in Category A of elite athletes and are due to $20,000 in training grants from the NSC, in preparation for the World Championship, the Commonwealth Games and the Olympic Games.
