Sports
African Senior Weightlifting Championship: Gold Rush, as Team Nigeria Leads Medal Table with 7 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria is making a bold statement at the ongoing African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Mauritius, with the contingent topping standings with 7 gold, 4 silver, and 1 bronze medal as the Championship hits climax.
Rafiatu Lawal (59KG) and Didih Onome (55KG) led the charge, each claiming three gold medals in their respective weight categories.
Lawal, 2022 Commonwealth Games gold medallist, was in a class of her own, dominating the 59KG event with confidence and grace.
“I came here prepared, and I knew I had to give it everything. The support from the Federation and the National Sports Commission has been incredible—it gave us the edge. This gold is for Nigeria,” Lawal declared with pride.
Onome, who dazzled in the 55KG category, echoed the spirit of determination that drives the team. “We came to Mauritius on a mission—to show the strength of Nigerian weightlifting. Every lift is for the green and white. I dedicate these medals to Dr. Ibrahim Abdul and the NSC, whose leadership continues to inspire us.”
In addition to their stellar performances, Edidiong Joseph captured one gold and two silver medals in the 73KG category, while Tuesday Emmanuel added two silver medals and one bronze to Nigeria’s tally.
Medal prospects Omolola Matthew and Sarah Ovayioza are yet to conclude their categories, with Sarah competing on Friday, while Omolola remains in action as of press time.
Motivating the team prior to the peak of the competition in Moka, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, announced a generous incentive package for each medal the team wins. Earlier in the week, Hon. Olopade also revealed that four lifters have been upgraded into the Category A of the Elite Athletes Programme and will receive training grants totaling $20,000—beginning with an initial $5,000 payment next week.
The African Senior Weightlifting Championship continues through April 28, with Team Nigeria eyeing even more podium finishes and proving its dominance on the continental stage.
Sports
Thrills as 2026 National Hockey Super League Opens in Abuja — NHF President Promises Greater Innovation
Cyril Ogar
The atmosphere was electric on Saturday at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, as the 2026 National Hockey Super League officially kicked off in grand style.
The championship, which runs from November 1st to 9th, features 13 male and 8 female teams from across the country competing for supremacy in Nigeria’s top-tier hockey competition.
In the opening fixtures, Police Machine dominated IGP Flickers 9–1, Kada Stars overwhelmed Adamawa 13–0, Plateau edged Ekiti 1–0, while Niger Flickers crushed Team Katsina 10–0.
Speaking at the ceremony, President of the Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF), Engr. Simon Nkom, expressed satisfaction with the smooth start, describing the league as a key milestone in the Federation’s renewed drive to strengthen grassroots hockey and promote national development of the sport.
“This is indeed a proud moment for us. We are here to witness a national event that we hold in very high esteem,” he said. “It’s a great way to end the year, return to our grassroots, and continue developing the game.”
Nkom, who also serves as an Executive Member of the African Hockey Federation Board, assured that the Federation will sustain its current momentum and introduce more innovations in 2027 to further elevate Nigerian hockey both locally and internationally.
“Our focus remains on building a strong foundation for our players and promoting discipline, teamwork, and fair play,” he added.
“Beyond monetary rewards, the experience gained here is invaluable. We will continue to recognize excellence through awards for Best Player, Best Goalkeeper, Youngest Player, and Most Disciplined Team.”
The Tournament Director, Mr. Falore Olajuyigbe, confirmed that the league will run for one week, ending on November 8th, with teams departing the following day. He praised the level of play and organization so far.
“The matches have been exciting and competitive. Attendance has been encouraging, and we’re confident that the quality of play will keep improving,” Olajuyigbe said.
He added that the tournament is benefitting from lessons learned during Nigeria’s participation in the African Club Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, noting that two Nigerian umpires who officiated at that continental event are also part of the officiating crew in Abuja.
As the 2026 National Hockey Super League unfolds, excitement continues to build among fans and players alike, with Abuja firmly at the center of Nigeria’s hockey action.
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