Sports
Weightlifting Federation President, Dr Ibrahim Abdul Applauds NSC’s Leadership in Championing Sports Development in Nigeria
Joel Bisi
President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, has credited Nigeria’s triumphs so far at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship to the deliberate and strategic approach of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in revitalizing the nation’s sports sector by appointing technocrats to head the National Sports Commission (NSC).
Dr. Abdul made this statement on Thursday morning, in an interview in Moka, Mauritius, where Nigeria is currently competing in the African Senior Weightlifting Championship. As of Thursday evening, Nigeria sits on top of the medal standings with 10 Gold, 4 silver and one bronze.
Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele’s impressive showing on Thursday evening helped to increase Nigeria’s medal haul after winning three Gold medals to underline her dominance in her weight category.
“President Tinubu knew exactly what he wanted and was intentional in his selection of leaders for the National Sports Commission,” Dr. Abdul said. “By appointing proven technocrats like Mallam Shehu Dikko and Hon. Bukola Olopade, he laid a solid foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity for Nigerian sports.”
Mallam Shehu Dikko, a former Chairman of the League Management Company (LMC), first appointed on December 26, 2014a, has also served in various capacities at FIFA and CAF. He has been at the forefront of key reforms within African and global sports governance, bringing his wealth of experience to the Commission.
Dr. Abdul also highlighted the immense impact of the NSC’s Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade—a two-time Commissioner for Sports in Ogun State—who has overseen numerous thriving sports projects across the country and internationally.
Speaking on Team Nigeria’s success so far in Mauritius, he said “this is no coincidence. The NSC gave us all the support we needed to succeed,” Abdul emphasized.
“When the DG announced thousands of dollars in financial incentives, sat with the athletes, shared meals, and took pictures with them—it wasn’t just symbolic. It was a powerful morale boost for all of them.”
According to him, “Our athletes felt truly seen, valued, and supported. Today, they competed like warriors—ready to give their all for the nation. That is the spirit this administration has ignited in Nigerian sports.”
Sports
Team Nigeria Records Best-Ever Performance at Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh
…Finishes 8th on overall standings, secures Africa’s second best placement
Joel Ajayi
Nigeria finished eighth on the medals table with a total of 30 medals, marking its best-ever performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games, while Turkey emerged at the top of the standings.
This year has been a remarkable success for the National Sports Commission, which has supported more than 40 sports federations in attending international competitions, many of whom have delivered outstanding performances and secured medals – the count includes taekwondo, swimming, cricket, para-powerlifting, para-badminton, among others.
Nigeria’s haul, comprised 11 gold, 12 silver, and 7 bronze, a result that reinforces the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) strategic direction of sending only athletes with strong podium prospects to major international events.
Competing in seven sports, Taekwondo, Boxing, Athletics, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Para-Powerlifting, and Para-Athletics, the team delivered an unprecedented outcome, winning medals in every sports they competed in .
Weightlifting led Nigeria’s medal haul with 6 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze, followed by Athletics, which secured 2 gold, 4 silver, and 3 bronze. Wrestling added 2 gold and 2 silver, Para-Powerlifting contributed 1 gold, while Boxing and Para-Athletics each earned 1 silver. Taekwondo completed the tally with 1 bronze medal.
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, praised the team’s exceptional outing, stating:
“It is not a coincidence that Nigeria won medals in every sport we participated in at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games. This achievement reflects the new direction we have taken in sports development. After meeting with our team at the Commission and the Elite and Podium Board led by Yusuf Ali, we made a deliberate decision to bring only podium prospects to Riyadh and today, that decision has paid off.”
He added that the performance in Riyadh sets the standard for future international engagements:
“From Boxing to Taekwondo, Weightlifting, Wrestling, Track and Field and Powerlifting, Nigeria secured medals in every sport we entered. This is the new benchmark at the National Sports Commission, guiding our preparations for upcoming competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and ultimately, the Olympics.”
Officials stated that Team Nigeria’s record-breaking finish in Riyadh marks a defining moment in the country’s sporting evolution and strengthens its position as a rising force in global multi-sport competitions.
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