Nigeria’s weightlifting team has delivered a commanding performance at the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championships and the 16th Mediterranean Cup in Ismailia, Egypt, securing 10 gold and five silver medals after two days of intense competition. Importantly, the championships also serve as qualifiers for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, and Nigeria has firmly positioned itself as a top contender. In particular, the women’s team has dominated proceedings, setting a strong pace for the country’s overall success.
Ruth Asuquo, Onome Didih, and Rafiat Lawal led Nigeria’s medal surge, collectively winning nine gold medals. Asuquo opened the campaign in the women’s 48kg category, sweeping all three gold medals with impressive lifts of 74kg in the snatch and 93kg in the clean and jerk. Similarly, Didih dominated the 53kg class, outperforming her rivals from Egypt and South Africa to secure another clean sweep for Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Lawal continued the winning streak in the 58kg division, reinforcing Nigeria’s superiority in women’s weightlifting. On the men’s side, Favour Agboro earned one gold and two silver medals in the 65kg category after a strong recovery in the clean and jerk event.
Additionally, Ruth Ayodele contributed three silver medals in the 63kg division, narrowly missing gold by small margins. As the competition continues, Nigeria’s remaining athletes are expected to further boost the medal tally.
Overall, the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation praised national leadership support, crediting improved athlete performance to consistent investment in sports development.
