Nigeria’s Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Edidiong Joseph Umoafia, has turned his attention to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games after winning the men’s 71kg weightlifting crown at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Umoafia delivered a commanding showing as he overcame Samoa’s John Lautafi Tafi and Nauru’s Ezekiel Moses to clinch the victory and help Nigeria secure its fourth gold medal at the event.
After the win, the champion said he was thrilled to reach one of the biggest milestones of his career, while also outlining his next objective: earning Olympic qualification and delivering a medal for Nigeria.
“I’m very happy and proud of myself. All the sacrifices and hard work were for this moment, and I’m grateful I achieved it. My focus is now on the Olympic qualifiers in December because my dream is to stand on the Olympic podium,” he said.
Umoafia also praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its steps to strengthen athlete welfare and preparation, pointing to the confidence the programme gave competitors. He highlighted a three-week training camp in Abuja and a further three-week camp in Aberdeen as key parts of the build-up.
He added that the Commission’s backing for the team reflected a genuine commitment to Nigerian athletes and played an important role in their success in Glasgow 2026.
In a parallel boost for Nigeria, fellow gold medallist Didih Onome Omolola credited the NSC for her standout display in the women’s 53kg category, where she won gold and established a new Commonwealth Games record.
Omolola said the triumph felt like a dream, explaining that the financial incentives promised to medal-winning athletes gave her extra motivation to raise her intensity.
“I was highly motivated because of the rewards for winning gold. It encouraged me to give everything and fight for victory,” she said.
She also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade for delivering high-quality preparation and enhanced welfare for Team Nigeria.
Omolola noted that athletes who had taken part in previous Commonwealth Games told her that the preparation standards for Glasgow 2026 were the best they had experienced.
She urged the Commission to keep its athlete-focused policies in place, arguing that stronger welfare and incentives help competitors reach new levels of performance.
Looking ahead to the Olympics, Omolola said she will step up her training, stressing that each major competition demands its own specific approach and preparation level.
