Nigeria’s weightlifting team is set to raise the nation’s flag high as they begin their campaign at the 2025 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championship (ASWC) in Moka, Mauritius, on Thursday, April 24.
With six athletes representing the country, the medal hunt begins with four lifters stepping onto the podium. Among them is Didih Onome Omolola (55kg), who competed at the 2024 World Championship in Bahrain, and Lawal Rafiatu Folashade (59kg), a 2024 Olympian and reigning African champion. Their events will kick off at 11:00 am Nigerian time.
In the afternoon session, Nigeria’s hopes continue with Tuesday Emmanuel (67kg) and Umoafia Edidiong Joseph (73kg), a continental and Commonwealth powerhouse expected to defend his gold title. They compete from 1:00 pm Nigerian time.
Technical Director of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Mr. Christopher Nwadieh, affirmed the team’s preparedness and morale. “We are in Mauritius to make Nigeria proud,” he declared. He emphasized that the championship is also a crucial step towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, serving as both a proving ground and a qualifier.
The Africa Senior Weightlifting Championship features 50 athletes from 17 African nations. Nigeria stands tall among the top contenders, entering six athletes alongside Madagascar, while host country Mauritius fields 14 lifters.
With national pride and future ambitions on the line, Team Nigeria is ready to lift the nation’s hopes—one medal at a time.
