Team Nigeria Stuns Africa With 29-Medal Weightlifting Explosion in Egypt

Team Nigeria Stuns Africa With 29-Medal Weightlifting Explosion in Egypt

Team Nigeria delivered an outstanding performance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, finishing the competition with an impressive haul of 29 medals. The Nigerian contingent secured 14 gold, 13 silver, and two bronze medals to emerge as one of the top-performing nations at the continental event.

The championship, held from May 10 to 17, also served as a qualification event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, attracting top lifters from across Africa. Nigeria’s team consisted of 10 athletes and three officials who competed across several weight categories.

Nigeria’s women athletes were the standout performers, accounting for most of the gold medals won by the country. Among the top performers was Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who dominated the women’s 48kg category by winning three gold medals after lifting a combined total of 167kg.

Other Nigerian lifters who shone at the championship included Onome Omolola Didih and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, both of whom also claimed multiple gold medals in their respective weight divisions.

In the men’s category, Favour Omovigho Agboro impressed with one gold and two silver medals, while Edidiong Joseph Umoafia and Lucky Joseph also contributed to Nigeria’s overall medal tally with strong performances in their events.

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation praised the athletes for their discipline and determination, describing the achievement as another sign of the country’s growing strength in international weightlifting competitions. Federation officials also thanked the Federal Government and sports authorities for supporting the team’s preparation and participation.

Sports analysts say the performance reinforces Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s leading nations in weightlifting and boosts the country’s prospects ahead of the Commonwealth Games and future international tournaments.