Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-07 03:08:52
Nigerian weightlifters showed tremendous skill and talent at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Cairo. With the ongoing championship also serving as the Paris 2024 Olympics qualifier, the stakes were high, and the Nigerian team rose to the occasion.
Rafiatu Folashade Lawal and Adijat Adenike Olarinoye emerged as standout performers on the first day of the championship, clinching a total of six medals between them. Competing in the 59kg women’s category, Lawal and Adijat showcased their dominance in the sport and solidified Nigeria’s presence on the international weightlifting stage.
Lawal, a gold medalist in the previous year’s championship in Tunisia, continued her winning streak by securing all three gold medals in her category. She showcased exceptional strength and technique, lifting 95kg in the snatch to claim her first gold, followed by a remarkable 119kg in clean and jerk to secure her second gold. Lawal’s outstanding performance culminated in a total of 214kg, earning her the third gold medal of the day.
Adijat, following Lawal’s lead, also put up a stellar performance by securing all three silver medals in the 59kg women’s category. Her lifts of 94kg in the snatch, 115kg in clean and jerk, and a total of 209kg demonstrated her skill and determination on the weightlifting platform.
The Nigerian team’s success continued with Edidiong Umoafia Joseph, who competed in the 73kg men’s category. Despite facing injury, Joseph displayed resilience and determination as he aimed to contribute to Nigeria’s quest for more medals and a spot at the Paris Olympics. His performance in the championship in Tunisia in 2023, where he won a silver and two bronze medals, highlighted his potential as a formidable weightlifter.
The Nigerian team’s participation in the championship will culminate with Joy Eze Ogbonne competing in the 71kg women’s category. As the championship unfolds, the Nigerian weightlifters have demonstrated their commitment to excellence and their determination to leave a lasting impact on the international weightlifting stage.
The impressive showing of Nigerian weightlifters at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport. It also underscores the potential for Nigeria to make a significant impact at the Paris 2024 Olympics. The achievements of Lawal, Adijat, Joseph, and the rest of the Nigerian team reflect the talent and depth of the country’s weightlifting program.
As the championship continues, all eyes will be on the Nigerian weightlifters as they strive for further success and look to secure their places at the Paris Olympics. Their performances have undoubtedly inspired and excited weightlifting fans, both in Nigeria and around the world. The future looks bright for Nigerian weightlifting, and the ongoing championship is a testament to the team’s potential for greatness on the international stage.
