Team Nigeria is making a statement at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius, leading the medal tally with 10 gold, four silver, and one bronze as the competition nears its conclusion, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Rafiatu Lawal and Didih Onome were standout performers, each winning three gold medals in their respective weight classes earlier in the day before Ruth Ayodele added to the gold rush, winning three gold medals in the women’s 64kg category with a 213kg total lift (93kg in the snatch and 120kg in the Clean & Jerk).
The 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist Lawal was dominant in the 59KG category, effortlessly clinching the top spot.
“I came here prepared, and I knew I had to give it everything. The support from the federation and the National Sports Commission has been incredible, it gave us the edge. This gold is for Nigeria,” she said.
Onome was equally impressive while competing in the 55KG category as well. “We came to Mauritius on a mission to showcase the strength of Nigerian weightlifting. Every lift is for the green and white. I dedicate these medals to Dr Ibrahim Abdul and the NSC, whose leadership continues to inspire us,” she remarked.
In addition to Lawal and Onome’s brilliance, Edidiong Joseph contributed one gold and two silver medals in the 73KG category, while Tuesday Emmanuel added two silver medals and one bronze to the country’s haul.
The African Senior Weightlifting Championship runs through to April 28, but Nigeria will end their campaign in the championship in the evening session on Friday, with Omolola Matthew and Sarah Ovayioza still in action.
Ahead of the final phase of the competition in Moka, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, motivated the team by announcing an incentive package for each medal won. Earlier in the week, Olopade also revealed that four lifters have been upgraded to Category A of the Elite Athletes Programme, which includes a training grant worth $20,000, with an initial $5,000 payment set for next week.
