Nigeria Eyes Gold As Weightlifters Hit The Podium In Mauritius
Nigeria’s quest for continental glory begins Thursday, April 24, as the nation’s top lifters step onto the platform at the 2025 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championship (ASWC) in Moka, Mauritius.
Four of Nigeria’s six representatives will compete on day one, with Didih Onome Omolola opening the stage in the 55kg category, followed by 2024 Olympian and African champion Lawal Rafiatu Folashade in the 59kg class—both events kicking off at 11am Nigerian time.
In the afternoon, Tuesday Emmanuel (67kg) and powerhouse Umoafia Edidiong Joseph (73kg), a former Commonwealth champion, will take their turn at the bar.
Technical Director of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Christopher Nwadieh, is confident the team is set to deliver. “The athletes are absolutely ready. We’re not just here to win medals—we’re also preparing for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow,” he said.
The ASWC, which runs until April 28, features 50 athletes from 17 African nations. Nigeria, along with Madagascar, fields six athletes, with hosts Mauritius leading with 14.
All eyes are on Team Nigeria as they aim to lift the nation to victory.
