Udofia-led squad snatched 9 gold in men's weightlifting

Udofia-led squad snatched 9 gold in men's weightlifting

Edidiong Udofia on Monday led two Nigeria weightlifters to snatch nine gold medals available in three men's categories of the 13th African Games at GCB Hall, University of Ghana, Legon.

Edidiong Umoafia claimed all three gold medals in the 67kg men's class. His compatriots, Lawal Rafiatu and Adijat Olarinoye clinched medals in the 59 and 55kg categories.

The feats have been commended by the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation,(NWF) President, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul who displayed delight with the performance of the team so far.

Speaking with NWF Media Crew, the president said the performance is a result of commitment on the side of athletes as well as the organizational plan of the federation and charged them to go all out and conquer Africa.

”We took off with five medals on Sunday and today (Monday) we have nine gold medals. I am delighted but the job has not yet been concluded.

"The commitment and sacrifices of the players are paying off and also the organizational disposition of the federation. Nigeria is a dominant force in weightlifting and that is what we are targeting in Accra," Dr Abdul said.

He lauded the Federal Government through the Ministry of Sports for their efforts in camping the athletes and seeing to their welfare.

The trio of Edidiong Umoafia, Rafiatu Lawal and Adijat Olarinoye in February 2024 hauled 8 medals at the African Weightlifting Championship in Egypt.

Nigeria will continue her medals quest today as Ruth Ayodele and Joy Eze will be competing in 64kg and 71kg women's categories respectively by 10 am at GBC Hall, University of Ghana.