‘We Are Expecting a Harvest of Gold Medals’: Dikko Hails Team Nigeria on First Gold at Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has congratulated Didih Onome Omolola for clinching gold in the women’s 53kg category at the ongoing Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, India.

Her victory follows Ruth Nyong Asuquo’s silver medal in the 48kg junior women’s category on Monday, marking a strong start for Team Nigeria.

An elated NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, hailed Onome’s performance as a breakthrough moment for the team, expressing confidence in Nigeria’s medal prospects.

His words: “This championship will serve as qualifiers for the Commonwealth Games next year, meaning that it’s imperative to excel so as to earn the right to participate at the Games next year.”

He further emphasized the Commission’s strategic planning and financial commitment to Nigeria’s international sporting success: “It’s for this reason we ensured there is a dedicated budget line in the Appropriation Act to support this process, which was gratuitously approved by Mr. President.

‘This has guaranteed some level of stability for the qualifiers and preparations for these major events like the Olympics and Commonwealth Games well ahead of time, so there is no excuse this time.”

Highlighting Nigeria’s strength in the sport, Dikko added: “Weightlifting has always been our sport of comparative advantage, and we are expecting a harvest of gold medals beginning with Onome.”

He also praised the team’s consistency and preparation: “We have been keeping tabs with the contingent in India and getting regular updates, just like we do with all our contingents on international duties.

‘This same contingent finished top at the African Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius earlier this year, so they can be termed African champions.”

With momentum building, Team Nigeria’s performance in India is being seen as a promising sign ahead of next year’s Commonwealth Games.