A proud President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr Ibrahim Abdul, has hailed Team Nigeria’s weightlifters for surpassing the country’s medal haul at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Abdul who gave the commendation in a statement on Thursday described their performances at the ongoing Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games as a clear testament to hard work, determination and the bright future of Nigerian weightlifting.
Nigeria finished the weightlifting event with an impressive three gold medals and one silver medal, surpassing the two gold, one silver and three bronze medals won at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.
The four medals came through Edidiong Joseph Umoafia (Men’s 71kg), Didih Omolola Onome (Women’s 53kg), Rafiatu Folashade Lawal (Women’s 58kg), who all won gold medals, while Ruth Asuquo Nyong (Women’s 48kg) secured a silver medal.
Dr Abdul, however, noted that despite the remarkable outing, the Federation believes the team is capable of even greater achievements.
“We are delighted with what our athletes have achieved in Glasgow.
“Surpassing our medal performance from the last Commonwealth Games is a huge accomplishment and one that every Nigerian should be proud of.
“At the same time, we know this team has the capacity to do even better, and we will continue working to ensure greater success in future international competitions,” a delighted Abdul told NWF Media.
The NWF President reserved special commendation for Edidiong Joseph Umoafia, Didih Omolola Onome and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, whose outstanding performances on Sunday, July 26, 2026, produced three gold medals in one memorable day for Team Nigeria.
He also praised the fighting spirit of Ruth Asuquo Nyong, who opened Nigeria’s medal account with a silver medal in the Women’s 48kg event on Saturday, July 25, 2026, describing her performance as one that inspired the rest of the team.
“Edidiong, Didih and Rafiatu made Nigeria proud with exceptional performances that will remain unforgettable.
“Winning three gold medals in one day shows the quality and resilience of our athletes.
“Ruth Asuquo also deserves enormous praise for breaking barriers with her silver medal and setting the tone for the team’s impressive campaign.”
Dr Abdul equally applauded the efforts of the other members of Team Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent who represented the country with pride despite narrowly missing out on medals.
He praised Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele, who finished seventh in the Women’s 63kg event, Mary Taiwo Osijo, who placed fifth in the Women’s 86kg category, Favour Agboro, who narrowly missed a podium finish after placing fourth in the Men’s 65kg event, and Adedapo Opadeji, whose hopes were dashed after an injury prevented him from competing in the Men’s 79kg category.
“Every member of this team deserves recognition. Winning medals is important, but representing Nigeria with courage, discipline and determination is equally commendable.
“I salute Ruth Ayodele, Mary Taiwo Osijo, Favour Agboro and Adedapo Opadeji for their commitment and sacrifices. They remain valuable members of our national team.”
The Federation President also paid glowing tribute to the technical crew, led by the experienced NWF Technical Director, Sefiya Onubaye, and renowned coach High Chief Luke Ibeh, popularly known as the “Miracle Coach,” for their dedication throughout the Games.
“Our coaches deserve immense credit for their tireless efforts.
“Sefiya Onubaye and High Chief Luke Ibeh worked relentlessly to prepare the athletes, and their experience and commitment ensured that Nigerian weightlifting remained one of the biggest success stories of the Commonwealth Games.
“We must also praise Mr Lawrence Iquaibom who was an official of the IWF representing Nigeria at the 2026 Commonwealth Games”
Dr Abdul also gave special recognition to the National Sports Commission (NSC), led by its Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for providing the weightlifting team with excellent preparation ahead of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
He noted that the Commission’s decision to organise an intensive local training camp in Abuja before sponsoring the team’s final preparations in Aberdeen, Scotland, played a major role in the athletes’ outstanding performances.
The NWF President also praised the Federal Government, through the NSC, for introducing immediate financial rewards for medal-winning athletes, saying the gesture greatly motivated the lifters to give their all on the platform.
“I must sincerely appreciate the National Sports Commission under the leadership of Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade.
Their commitment to ensuring our athletes had quality preparation in Abuja and later in Aberdeen, Scotland, made a significant difference.
“The athletes went into the Games physically and mentally prepared, and the results have justified those efforts.
“”The instant financial rewards for medal winners were another masterstroke.
It boosted the morale of our athletes and inspired them to push beyond their limits in pursuit of medals for Nigeria.
“Such encouragement shows that hard work and success will always be appreciated.”
Dr Abdul encouraged the NSC to sustain the culture of early planning and adequate preparation for major international competitions, especially ahead of the forthcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, insisting that the Glasgow model should become the standard for Nigerian sports.
The NWF President stressed that the Federation would continue to work closely with the National Sports Commission to build on the successes recorded in Glasgow as preparations begin for future continental championships, world events and the Olympic Games.
Looking ahead, Dr Abdul assured Nigerians that the Federation would continue to build on the achievements recorded in Glasgow by investing more in grassroots competitions and talent discovery across the country.
He stressed that preparations for future international championships, especially the Olympic Games, would begin immediately.
“Our focus now shifts to the future. We will intensify grassroots competitions to discover more talents and ensure Nigerian weightlifting continues to enjoy global recognition.
“Preparations for the Olympic Games will begin in earnest because we want to produce even more champions for Nigeria.”
*Team Nigeria Weightlifting Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Results*
*Medal Winners*
Ruth Asuquo Nyong – Women’s 48kg – Silver (168kg: 75kg Snatch, 93kg Clean & Jerk)
Didih Omolola Onome – Women’s 53kg – Gold (206kg: 93kg Snatch, 113kg Clean & Jerk)
Rafiatu Folashade Lawal – Women’s 58kg – Gold (229kg: 103kg Snatch, 126kg Clean & Jerk), Edidiong Joseph Umoafia – Men’s 71kg – Gold (319kg: 147kg Snatch, 172kg Clean & Jerk)
*Other Team Nigeria Representatives*
Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele – Women’s 63kg – 7th Position (193kg: 88kg Snatch, 105kg Clean & Jerk), Mary Taiwo Osijo – Women’s 86kg – 5th Position (225kg: 100kg Snatch, 125kg Clean & Jerk), Favour Agboro – Men’s 65kg – 4th Position (279kg: 122kg Snatch, 157kg Clean & Jerk), Adedapo Opadeji – Men’s 79kg – Unable to compete due to injury.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
