Nigerian weightlifters consolidated their dominance at the 2026 Senior Africa Weightlifting Championship in Egypt on Thursday, winning nine additional medals to extend their lead on the medals table.
After securing 10 gold medals earlier in the competition, Liadi Taiwo, Edidiong Umoafia, and Adedapo Adeleke added nine more medals on May 14, 2026, to strengthen Nigeria’s outstanding performance.
Taiwo, competing in the 77kg women’s category, won all three gold medals on offer, leaving Egypt and Tunisia to settle for the remaining medals.
Edidiong Umoafia won one gold and two silver medals in the 71kg men’s class, while Adedapo Adeleke claimed all three silver medals in the 79kg men’s class.
The nine medals cement Nigeria’s position at the top of the medals table with 24 medals comprising 14 gold and 10 silver.
Nigeria has already surpassed its total medal haul from the 2025 edition of the competition, which also serves as qualification for the 2026 Commonwealth Games.
The team emerged as overall champion at the 2025 African Senior Weightlifting Championships in Moka, Mauritius, in April 2025, securing 18 medals including 13 gold, four silver, and one bronze.
Nigeria’s medal tally is expected to increase on Friday and Saturday. Taiwo Osijo will compete in the 86kg women’s category at 1:00 pm Nigerian time on Friday, while Lucky Joseph will compete on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has praised the team’s outstanding performance at the championships.
Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Alhaji Shehu Dikko, conveyed the government’s message to the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and the athletes on Thursday.
Dikko applauded the NWF and Team Nigeria lifters for their performances in Ismailia, describing them as a clear reflection of the renewed commitment to sporting excellence in the country. He noted that the athletes have continued to justify the confidence and investments being made in Nigerian sports.
“This exceptional outing by our weightlifters is another proud moment for Nigeria and proof that our athletes can dominate on any stage when given the right support and environment. The consistency, discipline, and hunger shown by these athletes are truly commendable. We congratulate the federation, the coaches, and the athletes for making the nation proud while also strengthening our prospects ahead of the Commonwealth Games,” Dikko stated.
Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade charged the athletes and officials not to lose focus despite the impressive medal haul, stressing the importance of sustaining momentum as Team Nigeria continues its qualification journey.
“Basking in the euphoria of our multi-sport successes this year, remain focused. Great achievements come with greater responsibility, and this is the time for our athletes to stay mentally strong, committed, and determined to reach even higher levels. The Commission remains fully committed to supporting every federation and athlete working tirelessly to elevate Nigeria’s image globally,” Olopade said.
The Commission also commended the leadership of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation under President Dr. Ibrahim Abdul for the continued development of weightlifting in the country and the federation’s commitment to producing elite athletes capable of excelling on the international stage.
Ten Nigerian athletes are representing the country at the championships in Egypt, with the remaining events expected to provide more opportunities for Team Nigeria to increase its medal tally.
