Team Nigeria aims to secure medals at the African Weightlifting Championship.

Team Nigeria is set to depart for Moka, Mauritius, today (Monday) to participate in the 2025 African Weightlifting Championship, which will take place from April 20 to 28. This event marks a significant step in their pursuit of medals and regional supremacy.

The delegation consists of six top athletes and two coaches, entering this 35th edition with strong momentum after their impressive performance at the previous Championship in Egypt, where they secured six gold and five silver medals.

Rafiatu Folashade Lawal excelled in the women’s 59 kg category, clinching three gold medals in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total lifts. Close behind her in the same weight class, Adijat Adenike Olarinoye earned three silver medals as the runner-up.

In the women’s 71 kg category, Joy Ogbonne Eze also achieved a clean sweep, winning all three gold medals. Meanwhile, Edidiong Joseph Umoafia garnered two silver medals in the men’s 73 kg snatch and total lifts.

Prior to their departure, the National Sports Commission reiterated its dedication to supporting weightlifting, a sport in which Nigeria has a competitive edge. NSC Director General Bukola Olopade emphasized that the commission's long-term strategy focuses on providing targeted support for disciplines that yield medals, such as weightlifting.

“Weightlifting is an area where Nigeria has consistently performed well, whether at the African Championships, Commonwealth Games, Olympic Games, or Paralympics,” Olopade stated. “Our athletes have not only achieved medal success but have also set world records, and we are confident they will once again bring pride to the nation.”

Since 2008, Nigeria has amassed a total of 87 gold, 52 silver, and 16 bronze medals at the African Weightlifting Championships, totaling 155 medals and placing third on the all-time medal table, behind Tunisia and Egypt. Tunisia leads with 150 gold medals, followed by Egypt with 134.

The championships in Mauritius are recognized as a ranking event by the International Weightlifting Federation and will serve as an important benchmark as Nigeria continues its preparations for future global competitions.