African Weightlifting Championship: Team Nigeria win 12 medals at opening
On Thursday, Team Nigeria won 12 medals to top the table on the first day of the ongoing African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius.
Four out of the six lifters who represented the country won seven gold, four silver, and one bronze medal.
Rafiatu Lawal (59kg) and Didih Onome (55kg) led the onslaught, each claiming three gold medals in their respective weight categories.
Lawal, the 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, dominated the 59kg event with confidence and poise.
Onome, who excelled in the 55kg category, echoed the spirit of determination that drives the team.
In addition to their outstanding performances, Edidiong Joseph captured one gold and two silver medals in the 73kg category.
On Tuesday, Emmanuel added two silver medals and one bronze to Nigeria’s tally.
Medal prospects Omolola Matthew and Sarah Ovayioza are yet to conclude their categories, with Sarah competing on Friday (today) and Omolola still in action as of press time.
Motivating the team prior to the peak of the competition, the director general of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, announced a generous incentive package for each medal the team wins.
Earlier in the week, Olopade also revealed that four lifters have been upgraded to Category A of the Elite Athletes Programme, which includes training grants totalling $20,000, with an initial payment of $5,000 next week.
The six lifters representing Nigeria are Didih Onome (55kg), Rafiatu Lawal (59kg), Tuesday Emmanuel (67kg), Umoafia Edidiong Joseph (73kg), Imoleayo Ayodele (64kg), and Sarah Ovayioza (76kg).
Nigeria’s participation in the championship will be concluded on Friday (today), with Ayodele Imoleayo featuring in the 64kg category and Sarah Ovayioza competing in the 76kg women’s category.
The 2025 Africa Weightlifting Championship, which started on April 23 in Moka, Mauritius, is expected to end on April 28.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 3
Three youngsters die, one battling for life as speeding vehicle rams into Abuja bridge
A FRSC Route Commander, Jubrin Lawal, who led the rescue operation, said that three of the four men in the vehicle died on the spot.
NationWide
NRS gives large taxpayers July 31 deadline for e-invoicing compliance
Mr Adekambi described large taxpayers as companies with gross turnover of N5 billion and above.
Abuja
Residents consider healthy diets amid concerns over processed foods
Mr Akuba said the growing public interest in food quality presented an opportunity to improve nutrition awareness across communities.
States
Victims count losses as fire guts four shops in Calabar
Mr Nyong commended CR-SEMA for its prompt response.
States
Gov. Bago urges Niger APC to reconcile aggrieved members ahead of 2027 poll
Mr Bago stressed the need for unity among party members.
Heading 5
Alleged Tranfer Move: Shooting Stars declare footballer Ayodele Ismail AWOL, report Egypt-based agent to FIFA
The 3SC management warned prospective buyers that Ismail is still legally contracted to the club, noting any transfer negotiation must be with the Oluyole Warriors.
