Nigeria’s weightlifting team has delivered an outstanding performance at the ongoing African Senior Weightlifting Championships and the 16th Mediterranean Cup in Ismailia, Egypt, clinching an impressive total of 10 gold medals and five silver medals after only two days of competition.
The remarkable achievement has once again confirmed Nigeria’s growing dominance in African weightlifting, particularly in the women’s categories where Nigerian athletes overwhelmed their rivals with commanding performances. The championships, which brought together elite lifters from across Africa and the Mediterranean region, also serve as an important qualification platform for future international competitions, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Team Nigeria arrived in Egypt with a relatively modest squad, but the athletes have continued to outperform expectations with disciplined displays, technical excellence, and exceptional strength across multiple weight categories.
One of the biggest stars for Nigeria at the tournament has been Ruth Nyong Asuquo, who dominated the women’s 48kg category. The Nigerian lifter won all three available gold medals in her class after recording a brilliant performance in both the snatch and clean and jerk events.
Asuquo successfully lifted 74kg in the snatch to finish ahead of competitors from Tunisia and Madagascar before following it up with a 93kg effort in the clean and jerk event. Her combined total of 167kg secured the overall gold medal and gave Nigeria an early boost in the competition.
Another Nigerian athlete who delivered a superb performance was Onome Omolola Didih in the women’s 53kg category. Didih displayed remarkable composure and power throughout the contest, winning three gold medals after lifting 87kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk.
Her total lift of 192kg placed her comfortably ahead of challengers from Egypt and South Africa. Sports analysts covering the competition described her display as one of the most dominant performances recorded so far at the championship.
Nigeria also celebrated another triple gold medal success through experienced lifter Rafiat Afolashade Lawal in the women’s 58kg category. Lawal, who has represented Nigeria in several international competitions, continued her impressive form by sweeping all three gold medals in her division.
Her performance further strengthened Nigeria’s position among the leading countries at the championship and reinforced the nation’s reputation as one of Africa’s strongest weightlifting powers.
In the men’s category, Favour Omovigho Agboro produced one of the most competitive performances for Team Nigeria in the 65kg division. Although Egypt’s Mohamed Mahmoud Noureldin claimed the overall title, Agboro fought strongly to secure one gold medal and two silver medals.
The Nigerian athlete lifted an impressive 157kg in the clean and jerk event to edge past the Egyptian competitor and claim gold in that segment. His effort was widely praised by Nigerian officials and spectators who applauded his resilience against a strong home crowd in Egypt.
Nigeria’s silver medal tally was also boosted by Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele in the women’s 63kg category. Ayodele narrowly missed out on gold medals after intense competition against Tunisia’s Chaina Rahmouni, but still finished with three silver medals following consistent performances in both lifting segments.
Officials of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation have expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance so far, noting that the results reflect months of intensive preparation and strategic training programs ahead of the continental event.
The federation also stated that the athletes’ achievements in Egypt have improved Nigeria’s qualification prospects for future global competitions, particularly the 2026 Commonwealth Games where the country hopes to challenge for medals once again.
Weightlifting has remained one of Nigeria’s most successful sports over the years, producing several international champions and Commonwealth medalists. Nigerian lifters have consistently excelled at African championships and global competitions, making the sport a major source of pride for the country.
Former stars including Mariam Usman and Chinenye Fidelis helped establish Nigeria’s reputation in international weightlifting, while the current generation of athletes appears determined to continue that legacy with strong performances on the continental stage.
Sports enthusiasts across Nigeria have continued to celebrate the athletes on social media, praising their dedication and patriotism. Many supporters also called for increased investment in weightlifting and other Olympic sports to sustain Nigeria’s success internationally.
With several events still remaining at the African Senior Weightlifting Championships, Team Nigeria will be aiming to add more medals to its growing tally and strengthen its place among Africa’s elite sporting nations.
The early results from Egypt have already sent a strong signal that Nigeria remains a dominant force in African weightlifting and a country capable of competing successfully on the global stage.
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