Kelvin Bowoto
Team Nigeria’s weightlifters maintained their dominance in the weightlifting category at the ongoing 2023 Africa Games in Ghana yesterday, with Ruth Ayodele and Joy Eze winning three gold medals each in the 64kg and 71kg categories.
Ruth Ayodele won the 64kg gold medal as well as the clean and jerk and total on Day 4 of the competition. She clinched all three gold medals by lifting 94kg in snatch, 144kg in clean and jerk, and 208kg overall.
Joy Eze, competing in her second African Games, advanced to a new weight category and emerged victorious. She excelled in her new 71kg division, winning all three gold medals by snatching 90kg, lifting 117kg in clean and jerk, and achieving a total of 207kg.
Nigerian weightlifters won a total of 15 gold medals in Accra, including six from Ayodele and Eze.
Recall that Adijat Olarinoye (55kg), Rafiatu Lawal (59kg), and Edidiong Umoafia (67kg) each secured nine gold medals in their respective classes on Monday.
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Meanwhile, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, head of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), praised Nigeria’s weightlifters for their remarkable performance so far at the Games.
During an interview with the NWF media team, Abdul attributed the outstanding performance to the athletes’ commitment as well as the federation’s organizational plan, and he challenged them to go all out and conquer Africa.
“We started out with five medals on Sunday and now have nine gold medals. I am overjoyed, but the task is not yet complete.
“The players’ dedication and sacrifices are paying off, as is the federation’s organizational structure. Nigeria is a dominant force in weightlifting, and that is what we are aiming for in Accra,” Dr. Abdul stated.
He praised the federal government, through the Ministry of Sports, for its efforts to camp the athletes and ensure their well-being.
At the 2019 Africa Games, Team Nigeria Weightlifting won a total of 50 medals, including 16 gold, 16 silver, and 18 bronze. The current athletes are optimistic that they will break the record in Ghana’s capital, Accra.
Techrectory with Agency Report.
