The first batch of Team Nigeria’s weightlifting contingent has arrived safely in Aberdeen, Scotland, to begin the final phase of preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
The delegation, led by the Technical Director of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Sefiya Onubaye, touched down in Scotland on Saturday and is expected to commence training immediately as preparations intensify ahead of the Games, scheduled to take place from July 23 to August 2.
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Speaking after the team’s arrival, Onubaye expressed gratitude for the safe journey and revealed that the athletes would waste no time settling into their new environment, Sports247 reports.
“We thank God for bringing us safely to Aberdeen. The athletes are in good spirits and we will begin training almost immediately,” Onubaye said.
“This final camping phase is very important because it gives our lifters the opportunity to get used to the equipment and training conditions they will compete with at the Commonwealth Games. Our focus is to ensure every athlete is fully prepared and ready to perform at their best.”
The first batch of athletes to arrive in Scotland includes Didih Onome (Women’s 53kg), Rafiat Lawal (Women’s 58kg), Osijo Taiwo (Women’s 86kg), Favour Agboro (Men’s 65kg), and Edidiong Umoafia Joseph (Men’s 71kg), alongside the technical director.
They will later be joined by Ruth Nyong Asuquo (Women’s 48kg), Ruth Ayodele (Women’s 63kg), Islamiyat Yusuf (Women’s 69kg), Opadeji Adedapo (Men’s 79kg), and coach Luke Ibe, completing Nigeria’s weightlifting delegation of nine athletes and two coaches.
President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, expressed confidence in the team’s readiness and ability to make the country proud in Glasgow.
“I am confident that our weightlifters will represent Nigeria with distinction at the Commonwealth Games. They have worked extremely hard during the Abuja camping programme, and this overseas training camp will further sharpen their readiness for the competition,” he said.
Dr. Abdul also praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for its support towards the team’s preparations, specifically commending Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Hon. Bukola Olopade for creating an enabling environment for both the local and overseas training programmes.
Nigeria’s weightlifters concluded their first phase of camping in Abuja on July 1 and have now shifted focus to Aberdeen, where they will fine-tune preparations with hopes of delivering another impressive performance for the nation at the Commonwealth Games.
