Sports

African Senior Weightlifting Championship: Gold Rush, as Team Nigeria Leads Medal Table with 7 Gold, 4 Silver, and 1 Bronze

Published

1 year ago

April 24, 2025

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.

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Sports

AACT 2026: 31 Days to Africa’s Big Sporting Gathering in Abuja

Published

20 hours ago

October 2, 2026

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The countdown to the 2026 All Africa Challenge Trophy (AACT) has officially entered the final month, with just 31 days to go before Africa’s leading women’s team golf championship tees off at the IBB International Golf & Country Club in Abuja.

In a statement signed by the AACT 2026Director of Communication Kayode Adeniyi on Friday in Abuja.

Under the theme “Africa Is Coming to Abuja,” the countdown campaign will spotlight the championship, the participating nations, the players, the host venue and the growing development of women’s golf across the continent.

The 2026 AACT, scheduled for November 2–7, will bring together women’s golfing talent from across Africa for six days of continental competition in Nigeria’s capital.

As preparations continue at the IBB International Golf & Country Club, attention is increasingly turning to Abuja, where the championship will provide a platform for African golfers to compete while also showcasing Nigeria’s hospitality and the country’s growing profile as a destination for major sporting events.

The countdown will feature daily stories, interviews, player and country profiles, tournament facts, behind-the-scenes updates and features on the host venue as the championship draws closer.

The campaign will also highlight the role of the Ladies Golf Association of Nigeria (LGAN), the Local Organising Committee and other stakeholders in preparing for the continental championship.

With just 31 days remaining, anticipation is building across the African golfing community as Abuja prepares to welcome the continent’s leading women golfers.

Africa is coming to Abuja.

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