By Fayobi Adedoyin
Nigeria’s weightlifting team rounded off its participation at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, with an impressive haul of 29 medals, further underlining the country’s growing dominance on the continent.
The Nigerian contingent, made up of 10 athletes and three officials, finished the competition with 14 gold, 13 silver, and two bronze medals after a week of outstanding performances across multiple weight categories.
The final medals for Team Nigeria came through Mary Osijo and Lucky Joseph. Competing in the women’s 86kg category, Osijo secured three silver medals after lifting 95kg in snatch and 116kg in clean and jerk for a total of 211kg
In the men’s +110kg division, Lucky Joseph added two bronze medals after recording 145kg in snatch and 170kg in clean and jerk for a combined total of 315kg
Nigeria’s female weightlifters played a major role in the country’s success, finishing third overall in Africa after collecting 12 gold and six silver medals.
Among the standout performers was Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who dominated the women’s 48kg class with three gold medals after lifting a total of 167kg. Onome Omolola Didih also won three gold medals in the 53kg category with a total lift of 192kg, while Rafiatu Folashade Lawal claimed another three gold medals in the 58kg division with an impressive 215kg total.
Liadi Taiwo maintained Nigeria’s dominance by winning three gold medals in the women’s 77kg category with a total lift of 243kg, while Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele secured three silver medals in the women’s 63kg event.
In the men’s events, Favour Omovigho Agboro delivered a strong performance in the 65kg class, winning one gold and two silver medals with a total of 280kg. Edidiong Joseph Umoafia also earned one gold and two silver medals in the 71kg category after lifting a combined 311kg. Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji added three silver medals in the 79kg division with a total of 310kg.
The 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championship, which began on May 10 in Ismailia, Egypt, officially concludes on May 17. Nigeria’s contingent is expected back in the country on Monday, May 18, following one of the nation’s most successful outings at the continental championship.
