Nigeria’s powerlifting team at the ongoing 11th World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt, which runs from October 9 to 18, has won two gold medals.

The competition, the first-ever edition held in Africa, also saw Nigerian athletes win one silver and one bronze, bringing the team’s total to four medals.

Rita Ferdinand, the 26-year-old making her debut on the international stage, defeated reigning Paralympic champion and world record holder Miaoyu Han of China in the women’s 79kg category on Saturday. She lifted a new African record of 153kg to secure first place, giving Nigeria its first gold medal of the championship.

Veteran powerlifter and multiple-time world champion Esther Oyema, on day two of the competition, won gold in the women’s 55kg category by lifting 125kg to reclaim the world title she first won in 2024.

Esther Nworgu, who competed in the women’s 50kg category, lifted 120kg on her second attempt but failed her final 125kg lift. She won silver, finishing just behind Venezuela’s Clara Fuentes, while Rukayat Ajiboye came close to winning but settled for the bronze medal.

Commending the victorious athletes and promising continued support, the director-general of the National Sports Commission (NSC),  Bukola Olopade, said, “Our athletes continue to make us proud, showing the world that Nigeria is a force to be reckoned with in para powerlifting. Their bright start in Cairo reflects the depth of talent, discipline, and dedication that define Nigerian sports.”