Nigeria’s Weightlifters Boost Commonwealth Games Hopes with Medal Surge In Egypt

Nigeria’s Weightlifters Boost Commonwealth Games Hopes with Medal Surge In Egypt 

By Niyi Busari 

The National Sports Commission (NSC) has praised the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and Team Nigeria athletes for their remarkable performances at the ongoing 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championships and 16th Mediterranean Cup in Ismailia, Egypt, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Nigeria’s weightlifting team has already secured an impressive haul of 10 gold and five silver medals after the first two days of competition, underlining the country’s growing dominance in the sport on the African stage.

Chairman of the NSC, Shehu Dikko, described the athletes’ performances as evidence of the country’s renewed drive toward sporting excellence, adding that the lifters have justified the support and investment being directed toward Nigerian sports development.

“This exceptional outing by our weightlifters is another proud moment for Nigeria and proof that our athletes can dominate on any stage when given the right support and environment,” Dikko said.

“The consistency, discipline, and hunger shown by these athletes are truly commendable. We congratulate the federation, the coaches, and the athletes for making the nation proud while strengthening our prospects ahead of the Commonwealth Games.”

Director-General of the Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, also urged the athletes and officials to remain focused despite the early success, stressing the importance of sustaining momentum during the qualification campaign.

“Great achievements come with greater responsibility. This is the time for our athletes to stay mentally strong, committed, and determined to reach even higher levels,” Olopade stated, while reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to supporting federations and athletes representing Nigeria internationally.

Nigeria’s medal charge has been spearheaded by several standout performances in the women’s categories.

Competing in the women’s 48kg division, Ruth Nyong Asuquo claimed three gold medals after lifting 74kg in the snatch, 93kg in the clean and jerk, and recording a combined total of 167kg to finish ahead of competitors from Tunisia and Madagascar.

In the women’s 53kg category, Onome Omolola Didih also completed a clean sweep of three gold medals with lifts of 87kg in the snatch and 105kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 192kg.

Rafiat Afolashade Lawal maintained Nigeria’s dominance in the women’s 58kg division, winning another three gold medals to further boost Team Nigeria’s qualification hopes for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

In the men’s competition, Favour Omovigho Agboro delivered an impressive performance in the 65kg category, winning one gold and two silver medals. Agboro secured gold in the clean and jerk after lifting 157kg to outperform Egypt’s Mohamed Mahmoud Noureldin in the event.

Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele added three silver medals to Nigeria’s tally in the women’s 63kg category following another strong display.

The NSC also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation under its president, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, for its commitment to developing weightlifting and producing athletes capable of competing successfully on the international stage.

Ten Nigerian athletes are representing the country at the championships, with more events still to come as Team Nigeria aims to further increase its medal tally.