Nigeria Finish African Weightlifting Championships With 29 Medals
Nigeria ended the 2026 African Senior Weightlifting Championships in Egypt with an impressive total of 29 medals, confirming the country’s strong position in African weightlifting.
Team Nigeria, made up of 10 athletes and three officials, won 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze medals during the competition held in Ismailia from May 10 to May 17.
The team added five more medals on the final days of the championship through Mary Osijo and Lucky Joseph.
Mary Osijo competed in the women’s 79kg category and won three silver medals. She lifted 95kg in the snatch and 116kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 211kg.
In the men’s +110kg category, Lucky Joseph claimed two bronze medals after lifting 145kg in the snatch and 170kg in the clean and jerk for a combined total of 315kg.
Nigeria’s female weightlifters finished third overall in Africa after winning 12 gold and six silver medals.
Some of the top performers for Team Nigeria were Ruth Asuquo Nyong, Onome Omolola Didih, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal and Liadi Taiwo, who all won three gold medals each in their different categories.
In the men’s events, Favour Omovigho Agboro and Edidiong Joseph Umoafia won one gold and two silver medals each, while Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji secured three silver medals.
Nigeria finished the championship with:
- 14 gold medals
- 13 silver medals
- 2 bronze medals
The Nigerian team is expected back in the country on Monday after the end of the championship in Egypt.
