Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), has praised Team Nigeria’s standout showing at the recently concluded 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championships in Ismailia, Egypt, calling it proof that Nigerian sport can reach even higher levels when athletes are properly prepared and supported.
Federation chief celebrates Team Nigeria’s breakthrough
Dr. Abdul described the campaign as a clear sign that Nigeria is capable of achieving greater success on the continental stage, stressing that planning, backing, and welfare for athletes play a decisive role in performance.
He also singled out the discipline and determination shown by the lifters during the meet, saying the results reflect a strong fighting spirit throughout the squad.
Medal haul in Egypt
Nigeria’s delegation included 10 athletes and three officials: Apeh Melvina Ashinedu, Sefiya Onubaye, and Christopher Nwadei. Competing from May 10 to May 17, 2026, the team produced a major medal return across the programme.
- Nigeria finished with 29 medals in total: 14 gold, 13 silver, and two bronze.
- The overall campaign featured strong contributions from both the women’s and men’s teams.
Women’s dominance and men’s resilience
According to the federation, Nigeria’s women led the way by securing first place overall in their division with 12 gold and six silver medals. Egypt took second position, while Tunisia finished third.
In the men’s events, Nigeria entered only four athletes but still managed a respectable fourth-place finish, collecting two gold, seven silver, and two bronze medals.
- Women: Nigeria first overall with 12 gold and six silver; Egypt second; Tunisia third.
- Men: Nigeria fourth overall despite four competitors, with two gold, seven silver, and two bronze.
Top performances, thanks, and return home
On the overall medals table involving 19 participating countries, Nigeria placed second behind hosts Egypt, who topped the standings with 19 gold, 18 silver, and five bronze medals.
Individual medal winners
The NWF highlighted several lifters who delivered multiple podium finishes.
- Women (three gold each): Ruth Asuquo Nyong (48kg), Onome Omolola Didih (53kg), Rafiatu Folashade Lawal (58kg), and Liadi Taiwo (77kg) each swept three gold medals in their respective categories.
- Women (three silver each): Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele (63kg) and Taiwo Mary Osijo (86kg) each claimed three silver medals.
- Men: Favour Omovigho Agboro (65kg) and Edidiong Joseph Umoafia (71kg) each captured one gold and two silver medals.
- Men: Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji (79kg) won three silver medals.
- Men: Lucky Joseph (+110kg) earned two bronze medals.
Gratitude and message
Dr. Abdul also expressed appreciation to the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director-General Bukola Olopade, along with the NWF board, for their continued collaboration and support.
He stressed that the outcome in Egypt demonstrates how Nigerian teams can compete favourably anywhere when adequate preparation is matched with proper welfare and continuous encouragement.
Nigeria’s triumphant contingent returned to the country yesterday.
