Nigeria once again underlined its dominance in the continental sports arena by emerging as the undisputed champions of the 2024 African Weightlifting Championships held in Cairo, Egypt. The Nigerian contingent delivered an outstanding performance, topping the medals table with a commanding haul of gold, silver, and bronze across multiple categories.
From the opening day of the competition, Team Nigeria set the tone with an aggressive and confident approach, sweeping through the early rounds and setting several new personal and championship records. Their collective effort not only secured victories but also reaffirmed Nigeria’s position as a powerhouse in African weightlifting.
The standout performers included Adijat Olarinoye, Lawal Rafiatu, and Edidiong Umoafia, who all captured multiple gold medals in their respective weight categories. Olarinoye, competing in the women’s 59kg class, was a force to be reckoned with, lifting a combined total that left her competitors trailing. Her flawless execution and composure on the platform drew applause from the packed audience and added to her growing reputation on the international stage.
In the women’s 64kg division, Rafiatu continued her impressive form by clinching the gold medal with ease. Having also starred at the last Commonwealth Games, Rafiatu showed why she remains one of Africa’s brightest weightlifting talents. Her lifts were not just about strength, but also about technique, as she outclassed her nearest rivals by significant margins.
On the men’s side, Edidiong Umoafia was the star attraction. The young lifter, competing in the 73kg category, lifted personal bests in both the snatch and the clean and jerk to take home gold. His commanding performance drew praise from the coaching staff, who lauded his discipline, focus, and relentless drive.
Overall, Nigeria finished the championships with a total of 16 gold, 8 silver, and 5 bronze medals, comfortably ahead of nearest challengers Egypt and Algeria. The Nigerian team’s consistency across all weight divisions proved vital, as medals were secured in both the men’s and women’s events throughout the five-day competition.
Speaking after the tournament, the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, could not hide his joy. “This is a historic moment for Nigerian weightlifting,” he said. “Our athletes have worked tirelessly, and today we are seeing the rewards. Their performances have not only brought glory to our nation but have also inspired the next generation of weightlifters.”
Dr. Abdul also praised the coaching crew led by head coach Helen Idoko, whose careful planning and strategic selections played a major role in Nigeria’s success. “Our coaches deserve special credit. They have nurtured these athletes and prepared them thoroughly for the challenges of this championship,” he noted.
Meanwhile, several lifters used the championship to qualify for upcoming global events, including the World Weightlifting Championships and the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. This added an extra layer of significance to Nigeria’s stellar showing, as it places the country in a strong position heading into the international season.
The Nigerian government and the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development also sent congratulatory messages to the team, praising their achievements and pledging continued support for the sport. In a statement, the Minister of Sports, Senator John Enoh, said: “Our weightlifters have once again shown the world the strength, resilience, and excellence of Nigeria. We will continue to invest in our athletes to ensure they achieve even greater heights.”
For the athletes, the triumph in Cairo represents both a culmination of hard work and a stepping stone towards even bigger targets. Many expressed pride in wearing the national colors and promised to keep improving to represent Nigeria even more gloriously on the world stage.
Olarinoye, speaking to journalists after her victory, summed up the mood perfectly: “We came here to show that Nigeria is the best in Africa, and we have done that. But this is just the beginning. Our eyes are set on the World Championships and the Olympics. We want to make Nigeria proud globally.”
As the team returned home to a rousing welcome at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, fans, family members, and sports enthusiasts alike celebrated their achievements. A national reception is reportedly being planned to honor the lifters for their outstanding achievements in Cairo.
With youth, talent, and determination on their side, Nigeria’s weightlifting future looks brighter than ever. As the dust settles on an unforgettable championship campaign, one thing is certain: Nigeria is not just dominating Africa — it is ready to conquer the world.
