Nigeria’s weightlifting programme added another major Commonwealth Games triumph as Edidiong Joseph Umoafia, Onome Omolola Didih and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal all claimed gold on Monday. The three-medal haul came in record-setting style, highlighting Nigeria’s growing influence in the sport across the Commonwealth.
At a glance
- Edidiong Joseph Umoafia won men’s 71kg gold with a 319kg total, setting a Commonwealth Games record.
- Onome Omolola Didih took women’s 53kg gold with another record total of 206kg, highlighted by a 93kg snatch Commonwealth record.
- Rafiatu Folashade Lawal defended her women’s 58kg Commonwealth Games title with a 229kg winning total and records in all three lifts.
- Nigeria’s federation leadership credited planning, teamwork and preparation camps in Nigeria and Aberdeen, Scotland.
Umoafia, who won bronze at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, launched Nigeria’s medal surge in the men’s 71kg division. He posted 147kg in the snatch and followed with 172kg in the clean and jerk to finish on 319kg, establishing a new Commonwealth Games benchmark.
John Lautafi Tafi of Samoa claimed silver with 314kg, while Ezekiel Moses of Nauru secured bronze on 310kg.
Women’s 53kg headline
Didih then delivered one of the standout displays of the event in the women’s 53kg category. She shattered the Commonwealth record in the snatch with a 93kg lift, before compiling a 113kg clean and jerk to reach 206kg overall—another Commonwealth Games record—en route to gold.
Gyaneshwari Yadav of India took silver with 199kg, and Canada’s Rebeka Groulx earned bronze with 178kg.
Lawal’s title defence
Lawal rounded off the day by successfully defending her Commonwealth Games crown in the women’s 58kg class. She put up Commonwealth Games records across the board, registering 103kg in the snatch and 126kg in the clean and jerk, then producing a winning total of 229kg.
Ann-Sophie Taschereau of Canada claimed silver with 215kg, while Australia’s Lani Tracey finished with bronze on 196kg.
Nigeria Weightlifting Federation President Dr Ibrahim Abdul praised the efforts that led to the sweep, describing the medals as the product of structured preparation and close cooperation with the National Sports Commission.
He said the success reflected “proper planning, teamwork and support,” pointing to the working relationship between the federation and the National Sports Commission. Dr Abdul highlighted the roles of Mallam Shehu Dikko, the chairman, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the director general, and noted that athletes received quality preparation through a camping programme in Nigeria before the final training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Dr Abdul added that the athletes had “justified that investment” with performances that not only delivered victories but also broke records. He also stressed the importance of recognising excellence promptly, saying it provides extra motivation for everyone representing Nigeria.
He further commended the federation’s technical group, led by Technical Director Sefiya Onubaye and Chief Luke Ibeh, for their contribution to the build-up. Dr Abdul also praised the coaches and technical officials, citing their commitment, discipline and attention to detail as key factors behind the achievements.
Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that the rest of Team Nigeria will continue the momentum and make the country even prouder at the remaining stages of the Games.
