In a stirring proclamation of strength and determination, the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has unveiled the valiant six souls who will bear the nation’s banner at the prestigious 2023 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) Championships in the heart of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. From the 4th to the 7th of September, 2023, these indomitable weightlifters will step onto the world stage, ready to face the crucible of competition.
Among them, four fearless women have emerged: Folashade Lawal, the embodiment of grace and power in the 59kg category, and Adijat Olarinoye, a true force to be reckoned with in the 55kg division. Both have already adorned themselves with the golden laurels of the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a testament to their unwavering resolve.
The formidable lineup continues with Joy Ogbonne, a virtuoso in the 71kg category, who once claimed the pinnacle of glory at the 2019 African Games. Alongside her stands Ruth Ayodele, a perennial national champion whose name resonates with dominance.
In the realm of men, two champions emerge: Edidiong Umofia, a bronze-clad hero of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in the 73kg category, and Desmond Akano, the illustrious silver medallist of the 2019 All Africa Games in the 89kg division.
A radiant star in the constellation, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, shattered records with a breathtaking Games performance, hoisting a colossal 206kg in the women’s 59kg weightlifting at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. Her reign extends over the continent, having secured gold at the 2019 African Games in Morocco and the 2021 African Weightlifting Championships in Tashkent.
With hearts aflame, these weightlifters embark on a quest to amass precious points on the path to the grand spectacle of the Paris 2024 Olympics. The stage is set, the challenge immense, as the IWF witnesses a historic congregation of 117 nations, where 719 lifters, 365 men, and 354 women, will vie for glory.
In their journey, Folashade Lawal and Adijat Olarinoye shall engage in a titanic clash within the 59kg women’s category, slated for Thursday at 11:30 a.m., while Edidiong Umofia, the embodiment of strength, will contest in the 73kg men’s category on Friday at noon. Ruth Ayodele’s moment of reckoning in the 69kg women’s category shall come on Sunday at 2:30 p.m., and Desmond Akano, a titan of the sport, shall wage his battle in the 89kg men’s category on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. The fearless Joy Ogbonne shall grace the stage in the 71kg women’s category, also on Sunday, at 7:30 p.m.
These weightlifters, torchbearers of Nigeria’s strength and spirit, stand ready to etch their names in the annals of history, and their journey promises to be an epic tale of courage and triumph.
