Nigerian Powerlifters Shine Bright in Cairo, Clinch Two Gold Medals in Two Days
Written by Alonge Akinlolu on 14 — 10
Team Nigeria continues to dominate at the ongoing World Powerlifting Championship in Cairo, Egypt, securing two gold medals in just two days of intense competition.
Debutant Rita Ferdinand announced her arrival on the world stage in grand style, capturing her first ever World Title and Nigeria’s maiden gold medal at the Championship. Competing in the women’s up to 79kg category, Ferdinand stunned the crowd by defeating reigning Paralympic Champion and World Record holder, China’s Miaoyu Han, with a remarkable lift of 153kg, setting a new African Record in the process.
On Day 2, seasoned powerlifter Esther Oyema made a triumphant comeback, clinching gold in the women’s 55kg category with a lift of 125kg. The victory marks her first World Title since 2024, signaling a strong return to form for the Nigerian star.
Nigeria’s impressive performance extended to the women’s 50kg class, where Esther Nworgu narrowly missed gold after failing her final lift of 125kg, settling for silver with a successful 120kg attempt. Rukayat Ajiboye completed the sweep for Nigeria by earning bronze in the same event.
