Nigerian weightlifters in a remarkable display of strength and skill, have excelled at the ongoing 2024 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championship in Egypt, clinching a total of six medals and securing qualification spots for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Competing in the highly contested 59kg women’s category, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal and Adijat Adenike Olarinoye showcased their dominance by sweeping the top prizes on Day 1 of the Championship.
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Lawal, who had previously clinched gold in Tunisia last year, reaffirmed her prowess by clinching three gold medals.
She secured the first gold with a snatch lift of 95kg, followed by another gold in clean and jerk with an impressive lift of 119kg.
Lawal completed her triumphant performance by winning the third gold medal in total with an outstanding lift of 214kg.
Following closely in her footsteps, Adijat replicated her stellar performance from the previous year, clinching all three silver medals in the category.
She showcased her strength with lifts of 94kg in snatch, 115kg in clean and jerk, and a total lift of 209kg.
The outstanding performance of Lawal and Adijat has not only added to Nigeria’s medal tally but has also secured crucial qualification spots for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Nigeria’s quest for more medals and Olympic qualification continues as Edidiong Umoafia Joseph gears up to compete in the 73kg men’s category.
Despite competing with an injury, Joseph’s track record from the Tunisia 2023 edition, where he secured a silver and two bronze medals, speaks volumes about his determination and talent.
The nation’s participation in the championship will culminate on Wednesday, with Joy Eze Ogbonne set to compete in the 71kg women’s category, aiming to further bolster Nigeria’s medal count and Olympic aspirations.
