The Nigeria Weightlifting team concluded the Egypt 2024 African Senior Weightlifting Championship on a high note, securing a total of 11 medals, including six gold and five silver. Joy Ogbonne Eze’s outstanding performance in the 71kg women’s category was a highlight, as she claimed all three gold medals in snatch, clean and jerk, and total lift.

Eze’s triple gold achievement has elevated her to the top 12 in the Olympic qualification ranking for her weight class. Notably, other athletes like Rafiat Lawal, Adijat Olarinoye, and Umoafia Edidiong are also inching closer to securing Olympic Games tickets based on their remarkable performances in Ismaila, Egypt. The top 10 in their respective weight classes will qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris.

Rafiat Lawal secured three gold medals in the 59kg category, while Adijat Olarinoye earned three silver medals in the same weight class. Umoafia Edidiong contributed two silver medals in the Men’s 73kg category. Joy Ogbonne Eze’s triumphant performance marked a significant improvement from the previous year’s championship in Tunisia.

Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, commended the athletes for their exceptional efforts and acknowledged the boost to their Olympic qualification prospects. He expressed optimism about their upcoming participation in the African Games, aiming for a record-setting performance in Ghana.

The Nigerian Weightlifting contingent, consisting of four athletes and four officials, is set to return to Nigeria, with plans to begin preparations for the African Games promptly. Dr. Abdul emphasized the need for the athletes to showcase their full potential at the African Games before heading to Thailand for the final Olympic Games qualifier, the IWF World Cup, taking place from March 31st to April 11th.

The announcement of the final list of athletes qualified for the 2024 Paris Games will be made through the IWF World Rankings after the conclusion of the last Olympic qualifier in Thailand.