Nigeria Shines in Egypt: 29 Medals at African Weightlifting Championships
NWF President Abdul Applauds Team’s Dominance
The President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, has hailed Team Nigeria’s remarkable performance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championships, describing the achievement as proof that Nigerian sports can reach greater heights with proper preparation, support, and motivation.
Nigeria’s contingent of ten athletes and three officials returned from Egypt with an impressive 29 medals, 14 gold, 13 silver, and two bronze, after a week of intense competition from May 10 to May 17.
‘This performance is a clear statement that Nigeria remains a major force in African weightlifting. Our athletes showed courage, determination and excellence against the best on the continent,’ Dr. Abdul said.
‘The result from Egypt proves that with adequate preparations, proper welfare and continuous encouragement from stakeholders, Nigerian sports can compete favourably anywhere in the world. The future of weightlifting and indeed Nigerian sports is very bright.’
Dr. Abdul expressed gratitude to the Federal Government through the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko for their support. He also commended the NWF board members for their collective efforts in ensuring the team’s success.
Nigeria’s women weightlifters once again underlined their dominance, finishing first overall in the women’s category with 12 gold and six silver medals. Hosts Egypt placed second, while Tunisia and Mauritius followed in third and fourth positions respectively.
Despite fielding only four athletes in the men’s category, Nigeria secured a commendable fourth-place finish with two gold, seven silver, and two bronze medals. Egypt topped the men’s standings, followed by Madagascar and Tunisia.
On the overall medals table, Nigeria finished second behind hosts Egypt, who amassed 19 gold, 18 silver, and five bronze medals. Tunisia, Madagascar, and Mauritius rounded out the top five among the 19 participating nations.
Individual performances were equally outstanding. Ruth Asuquo Nyong, Onome Omolola Didih, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, and Liadi Taiwo each claimed three gold medals in their respective categories, while other athletes contributed crucial silver and bronze medals to Nigeria’s tally.
