The president of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr Ibrahim Abdul has showered encomiums on lifters and coaches in the country’s delegation to the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, following their massive haul of three gold medals on Monday.
Sports247 reports that Edidiong Joseph Umoafia, Onome Omolola Didih and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal all clinched gold medals in record-breaking fashion, as they contributed to keeping Nigeria high up in fourth place on the Games’ medals table.
Birmingham 2022 bronze medalist, Umoafia set the tone in the men’s 71kg event, as he lifted 147kg in the snatch and 172kg in the clean and jerk for a winning total of 319kg, establishing a new Commonwealth Games record, while Didih broke the Games snatch record in the women’s 53kg category.
She started with 93kg before adding 113kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 206kg, in another Games record that fetched her the gold medal, while Lawal completed a memorable day by successfully defending her Games title in the women’s 58kg event.
Lawal dominated from the opening lift, setting a Games record of 103kg in the snatch before adding 126kg in the clean and jerk for a winning total of 229kg, while Favour Agboro also impressed despite finishing fourth, missing out on a medal by the narrowest of margins after her gallant efforts.
In his response to the feats, Dr Abdul also showered accolades on the coaches, led by NWF technical director, Sefiya Onubaye and Luke Ibeh, for what he referred to as their total commitment throughout the preparation phases in Nigeria and at the pre-competition camp in Aberdeen, Scotland.
The NWF supremo retorted with delight, “I must commend our coaches and technical officials for the tremendous work they have done. Their commitment, discipline and attention to detail have played a major role in these achievements.
“The athletes have justified that investment with these outstanding performances and record-breaking victories. Their performances have also done Nigeria proud. We remain confident that the remaining members of Team Nigeria will continue this impressive run.
“We believe they will make the country even prouder. We are equally delighted that athletes who excel are being rewarded immediately, which serves as additional motivation for everyone representing Nigeria.”
Sports247 reports that the NWF president is eagerly looking forward to more medals on Tuesday, as Adedapo Opadeji will compete in the men’s 79kg, while Mary Taiwo Osijo (women’s 86kg) and Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele (women’s 63kg) will also step out with huge hopes of increasing Nigeria’s haul of medals.
