Sports

World Weightlifting Championship: Nine Nigerian Contingent Departs Abuja For Uzbekistan

Published

5 years ago

December 3, 2021

Joel Ajayi

Seven Nigerian weightlifters along with two officials of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF will depart Abuja on Friday for Uzbekistan ahead of the 2021 World Weightlifting Championship

The championship is holding in Tashkent, Uzbekistan from 7th to 17th December, 2021. The contingents comprises five Female and two male lifters with two coaches.

The coaches are former lifter, Helen Asemota as well the Technical Director of the federation, Coach Chris Nwadeih.

The athletes are made up of national and continental champions including Olarinoye Adenike Adijat who won three gold medals during the 2020 Olympic qualifiers in Uzbekistan, is competing in 55kg women category.

Others are: Eze Joy Ogbonne who is competing in 71kg women; Liadi Taiwo, 76kg women; Stella Peter Kingsley, 49kg women and Lawal Rafiat Folashade in women 59kg.

In the men’s categories, are Edidiong Umoafia in 67kg and Appah Emmanuel Inemo in 61kg.

The contingent will leave the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by 10pm on Friday and will arrive Turkey’s City, Istanbul on Saturday before they will board connecting flight to Uzbekistan.

Addressing the contingents at the Federation’s Secretariat, NWF President, Dr Abdul Ibrahim commended the lifters and officials for their sacrifices during their almost two months camping in Lokoja, Kogi State.

While reiterating the support of the new board of the federation to the welfare of athletes and officials, the President charged them to compete clean, and win clean for the glory of the fatherland.

“The federation through the board ensured that you began camping early and I want to appreciate you all for your sacrifices.

“You are all primed for the challenges ahead and the board which I lead will continue to give you and every other athletes and officials of weightlifting the needed support to excel.

“You are Nigeria’s ambassadors in Uzbekistan, therefore compete clean, win clean and bring laurels back to our beloved country,” he said

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Sports

Nigerian Goalkeeper James Honoured with Spot in Finland’s Team of the Season

Published

12 hours ago

October 27, 2026

The Gleamer

Ibrahim Lawal

Nigeria’s Super Eagles goalkeeper Samuel Friday James has earned recognition among the best-performing players in Finland following his impressive displays for SJK Akatemia in the 2026 season.

The 20-year-old shot-stopper ranks second among the league’s selected best-performing XI, with an average rating of 7.61, according to statistics published by Totori News.

James’ performances have stood out despite the challenging campaign faced by his club, with his consistency between the posts making him one of the bright spots in the team.

The former Mavlon FC goalkeeper has recorded four clean sheets in Finland’s Ykkösliiga this season, while his shot-stopping ability has further underlined his growing reputation in European football.

According to available season statistics from FootyStats, James has made 20 league appearances, playing 1,800 minutes. He has conceded 32 goals and made 75 saves from 109 shots faced, giving him a save percentage of approximately 68.8 per cent.

His four clean sheets account for 20 per cent of his league appearances, demonstrating his ability to keep opponents at bay despite the defensive challenges confronting his team.

James has also shown composure and resilience in difficult matches, including his recent international outing for Nigeria against Russia, where he made his senior Super Eagles appearance in the 3-3 friendly draw on October 6.

Standing at 1.95 metres, the young goalkeeper possesses the physical attributes required for the modern game, combining his reach with quick reactions and an increasingly valuable experience of European football.

His rise has been particularly encouraging following his move from Lagos-based Mavlon FC to Finland in 2025. Since then, he has continued to develop through regular competitive football and has attracted attention for his performances.

James’ latest statistical recognition of 7.55 rating in the team of the season adds to his growing profile as Nigeria continues to assess goalkeeping options for the future.

At 20, the goalkeeper will be hoping to build on his progress in Finland and establish himself as a regular contender for the Super Eagles, while continuing to improve his performances at club level.

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