Nigeria extends supremacy at African Weightlifting Championships with 24-medal haul

Posted : 15 May 2026

Nigeria’s dominance at the ongoing 2026 Senior African Weightlifting Championships in Ismailia, Egypt, continued as the country’s athletes increased their medal haul to 24, maintaining a comfortable lead on the medals table.

The Nigerian contingent added nine more medals to an already impressive campaign, reinforcing the country’s growing reputation as one of Africa’s strongest forces in weightlifting.

After opening the competition with 10 gold medals, Nigerian lifters once again produced remarkable performances across different weight categories as the championships also serve as a qualification event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Among the standout performers was Taiwo Liadi, who delivered a flawless outing in the women’s 77kg event, clinching all three gold medals available in her category ahead of competitors from Egypt and Tunisia.

In the men’s 71kg division, Edidiong Umoafia secured one gold medal and two silver medals to further boost Nigeria’s tally, while Adedapo Adeleke contributed three silver medals in the men’s 79kg category.

With the latest results, Team Nigeria now boasts 24 medals made up of 14 gold and 10 silver medals, already surpassing the country’s total output at the 2025 African Senior Weightlifting Championships in Mauritius, where Nigeria finished with 18 medals.

Attention now shifts to the remaining events as Nigeria looks set to increase its medal count before the end of the championships. Taiwo Osijo will compete in the women’s 86kg category on Friday, while Lucky Joseph is billed for action on Saturday.

The Federal Government has also praised the athletes for their outstanding displays in Egypt.

Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, described the performances as a reflection of the country’s renewed drive for sporting excellence.

“This exceptional outing by our weightlifters is another proud moment for Nigeria and proof that our athletes can dominate on any stage when given the right support and environment,” Dikko said.

“The consistency, discipline and hunger shown by these athletes are truly commendable. We congratulate the federation, the coaches and the athletes for making the nation proud while also strengthening our prospects ahead of the Commonwealth Games.”

Director-General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, urged the athletes not to lose focus despite their achievements.

“Great achievements come with greater responsibility and this is the time for our athletes to stay mentally strong, committed and determined to reach even higher levels,” Olopade stated.

The commission further commended the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation led by Dr. Ibrahim Abdul for its efforts in developing elite lifters capable of excelling on the international stage.

Nigeria is being represented by 10 athletes at the championships, with hopes high for more podium finishes before the competition concludes.

This dominant performance in Ismailia underscores Nigeria's status as a powerhouse in continental weightlifting and a major contender for the upcoming Commonwealth Games. With several athletes still to compete, the nation remains poised to further solidify its lead and return home with a historic medal count.

Nigeria extends supremacy at African Weightlifting Championships with 24-medal haul

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