Sports
NSC Hails Weighlifting Federation, Weightlifters, for Outstanding Medal Haul at Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships
Joel Ajayi
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has praised the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and Team Nigeria athletes for their sterling performances at the 30th Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships in Ahmedabad, India, where they have secured an impressive medal haul and further enhanced the country’s reputation on the global stage.
As of penultimate day of the Championship, Nigerian weightlifters amassed four gold, two silver, and two bronze medals.
Speaking on the achievement, Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko noted that “to win medals, especially gold medals at this level takes a lot of preparation, sacrifice, and determination. Our athletes have shown the world that Nigeria remains a force to be reckoned with in weightlifting. Their success is a victory for our country, for every young aspiring athlete, and for the development of Nigerian sports as a whole.”
Significantly, all athletes who clinched gold medals have now automatically qualified for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, underscoring the importance of these victories for both individual athletes and the nation at large.
The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, expressed pride in the team’s achievements, stressing that “weightlifting has always been one of our major strengths, but to continue to shine and hold our ground in such a tough competitive environment shows that our system is working. It proves that with the right support, investment, and vision, our athletes can dominate globally. The NSC is committed to sustaining this momentum, ensuring our athletes are well-prepared, well-supported, and positioned to bring even greater glory to Nigeria,” he said.
Among the standout performers, Islamiyat Yusuf delivered a flawless display in the women’s 69kg division. With a snatch of 105kg and a clean and jerk of 131kg, Yusuf produced a commanding total of 236kg to claim gold in style.
In the women’s 77kg category, Sarah Matthew demonstrated her rising talent by winning two gold medals in both the junior and senior classes. Her technically superb lifts of 108kg in the snatch and 128kg in the clean and jerk gave her an overall total of 236kg and solidified her growing reputation.
Omolola Onome claimed gold in the women’s 53kg and set new record in the process with a snatch of 90kg and a total of 197kg, both surpassing previous records.
The men’s 79kg category also brought a podium finish for Nigeria as Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji battled through intense competition to claim bronze, finishing behind Ajaya Babu of India and Malaysia’s Muhammad Erry Hidayat.
Joseph Edidiong Umoafia, reigning African Games champion, produced a near-flawless performance in the men’s 71kg event to secure silver with a total of 316kg, only narrowly missing gold by a single kilogram to India’s Ajith Narayana. Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele also held firm to earn bronze in the women’s 63kg, lifting a combined total of 212kg, while Ruth Asuquo Nyong won silver in the women’s 55kg.
The NSC reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening grassroots development, technical support, and international exposure for athletes, ensuring that the current momentum is sustained and built upon ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
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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