Team Nigeria’s weightlifters continued their outstanding performance at the 2023 Africa Games in Ghana, clinching more gold medals in the weightlifting event. Ruth Ayodele and Joy Eze emerged as stars of the day, each securing three gold medals in their respective weight categories.

Competing on Day 4 of the event, Ruth Ayodele claimed gold in the 64kg class by excelling in both the snatch and clean and jerk, lifting a total of 208kg. Joy Eze, competing in the 71kg category, showcased her strength by winning all three gold medals with a total lift of 207kg.

The impressive haul of six gold medals from Ayodele and Eze brings Nigeria’s total gold medal count in weightlifting to 15 in Accra.

Earlier in the competition, Adijat Olarinoye, Rafiatu Lawal, and Edidiong Umoafia set the stage with nine gold medals in their respective weight classes on Monday.

The president of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, commended the athletes for their remarkable achievements. He attributed the success to the dedication of the athletes and the effective organizational strategies of the federation.

“We started with five medals on Sunday, and today (Monday), we have nine gold medals. I am delighted, but our work is not yet done,” said Dr. Abdul. He urged the athletes to continue striving for excellence and dominate the sport in Africa.

Abdul also expressed gratitude to the federal government, particularly the Ministry of Sports, for their support in training and caring for the athletes.

With high hopes of surpassing the previous record set at the 2019 Africa Games, where Team Nigeria Weightlifting secured a total of 50 medals, including 16 gold, optimism is soaring for Nigeria’s athletes in Accra, Ghana’s capital.