Nigeria Tops Medal Table With 24 Haul At African Weightlifting Championships
Nigeria Extends Dominance in Continental Weightlifting
TEAM Nigeria has reinforced its dominance at the 2026 Senior African Weightlifting Championships in Ismailia, Egypt, climbing to the top of the medals table with an impressive haul of 24 medals. The competition, which doubles as a qualification pathway for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, has seen Nigerian athletes deliver commanding performances across multiple weight categories.
With 14 gold and 10 silver medals already secured, the country has surpassed its previous outing at the 2025 edition in Mauritius, underlining a steady rise in performance and consistency on the continental stage.
Star Performers Lead Medal Surge
The latest medal boost came from standout athletes Liadi Taiwo, Edidiong Umoafia, and Adedapo Adeleke, whose performances have been central to Nigeria’s success.
Taiwo delivered a flawless display in the women’s 77kg category, clinching all three gold medals available and leaving competitors from Egypt and Tunisia trailing behind. In the men’s 71kg division, Umoafia added one gold and two silver medals, while Adeleke contributed three silver medals in the men’s 79kg category.
Their combined efforts played a crucial role in extending Nigeria’s lead on the medals table.
Momentum Builds Ahead of Commonwealth Games
The championship serves as a critical preparatory platform for the upcoming Commonwealth Games, and Nigeria’s strong showing has raised expectations for further success on the global stage.
Additional medal opportunities remain, with Taiwo Osijo scheduled to compete in the women’s 86kg category and Lucky Joseph set for action in the men’s division. Officials are optimistic that the team’s tally will increase before the competition concludes.
Government Commends Team’s Performance
The Federal Government has praised the athletes, coaches, and officials for their achievements. Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Shehu Dikko, described the outing as a testament to Nigeria’s growing strength in weightlifting.
He commended the discipline and resilience displayed by the athletes, noting that their performances reflect the positive impact of improved support systems within the sport.
The Director-General of the commission, Bukola Olopade, also urged the team to remain focused, emphasizing the need to sustain momentum ahead of future international competitions.
