By Njoku Chijioke
Team Nigeria has taken the spotlight at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius, finishing the opening day as the best performing team with a commanding medal sweep.
The lifters scooped an impressive twelve medals — seven gold, four silver, and one bronze — marking a strong statement of intent from the Nigerian camp.
Rafiatu Lawal and Didih Onome stole the show, each clinching three gold medals in the 59kg and 55kg categories respectively.
Their powerful performances set the tone for a thrilling start to Nigeria’s campaign.
Edidiong Joseph added to the medal count with one gold and two silver medals in the 73kg event, reinforcing Nigeria’s dominance on the stage.
The championship continues until April 28, with Sarah Ovayioza and Imoleayo Ayodele expected to raise the stakes further when they compete on Friday.
In recognition of the athletes’ heroics, four lifters have been upgraded to Category A of the Elite Athletes Programme.
The upgrade comes with training grants worth twenty thousand dollars and additional incentives to fuel their push for global recognition.
With Nigeria already setting the pace, hopes remain high for a golden finish to the championship.
