In a resounding display of dedication and ambition, six Nigerian weightlifters and three officials have descended upon Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to participate in the 2023 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Championship.
This momentous event, which also serves as a crucial qualifier for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, kicked off on Monday, September 4, and is set to conclude on Sunday, September 17.
The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) shared this exciting news through a press statement, proudly announcing the departure of the Nigerian contingent from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
Their journey, facilitated by Ethiopia Airlines, commenced at 1:30 p.m. local time, underscoring the nation’s commitment to showcasing its weightlifting prowess on the global stage.
Nigeria’s representation at the championship comprises six accomplished weightlifters, including two men and four women, along with three dedicated officials. In their quest for excellence, Umofia Edidiong and Akano Desmond will compete in the men’s categories, specifically in the 73kg and 89kg divisions, respectively.
On the women’s side, Lawal Folashade Rafiatu and Olarinoye Adijat Adenike will vie for glory in the 59kg category.
Meanwhile, Eze Joy Ogbenne and Ayodele Ruth Imoleayo will bring their talents to the 71kg and 64kg women’s categories, respectively.
The trio of officials accompanying these remarkable athletes includes Ojadi Aduche, Usman Shehu, and Okpo Dorothy Bernard, who are committed to providing support and guidance throughout the competition.
According to the competition schedule released by the IWF, Folashade Lawal and Adijat Olarinoye, both celebrated for their achievements at the 2023 Senior Africa Weightlifting Championship in Tunisia, will battle it out in the 59kg women’s category on September 7 at 11:30 a.m.
Edidiong Umofia is poised to compete in the 73kg men’s category on September 8 at 12:00 p.m., while Akano Desmond will take the stage in the 89kg men’s category on September 10 at 9:30 a.m.
The dynamic duo of Ayodele Ruth and Eze Joy Ogbenne will showcase their skills in the 64kg and 71kg women’s categories on September 10 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., respectively.
Nigeria’s weightlifters have been in intensive training camp for the past two months, fueled by optimism and a shared goal of securing their place at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The nation had a triumphant outing at the 2023 Senior Africa Weightlifting Championship in Tunisia earlier this year, amassing an impressive total of 12 medals, with five athletes making their mark.
With a record-breaking 117 countries and 719 lifters participating in the 2023 IWF Championship, including 365 men and 354 women, the stage is set for intense competition.
Nigeria’s weightlifters are poised to give their all in Riyadh and continue their journey toward Olympic glory in Paris, France, with three more championship qualifiers on the horizon. The world eagerly awaits their remarkable performances in this exciting chapter of their athletic pursuits.
