The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) is celebrating another landmark outing at the 2026 Commonwealth Games after Edidiong Joseph Umoafia, Onome Omolola Didih and Rafiatu Folashade Lawal claimed gold in record-breaking fashion on Monday, underlining the country’s growing dominance in Commonwealth weightlifting.
Umoafia, a 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, opened the golden run in the men’s 71kg category, lifting 147kg in the snatch and 172kg in the clean and jerk for a winning total of 319kg — a new Commonwealth Games record. Samoa’s John Lautafi Tafi took silver with 314kg, while Nauru’s Ezekiel Moses claimed bronze with 310kg.
Didih followed with one of the standout performances of the competition in the women’s 53kg category, breaking the Commonwealth record in the snatch with 93kg before completing a 113kg clean and jerk for a total of 206kg — another Commonwealth Games record — to win gold comfortably. India’s Gyaneshwari Yadav took silver with 199kg, while Canada’s Rebeka Groulx claimed bronze with 178kg.
Lawal capped the day by successfully defending her Commonwealth Games title in the women’s 58kg category, setting Commonwealth Games records across all three disciplines: 103kg in the snatch, 126kg in the clean and jerk, and a winning total of 229kg. Canada’s Ann-Sophie Taschereau took silver with 215kg, while Australia’s Lani Tracey claimed bronze with 196kg.
Reacting to the performances, NWF President Dr Ibrahim Abdul said the victories reflected careful planning and strong collaboration with the National Sports Commission.
“These victories are a clear reflection of what can be achieved through proper planning, teamwork and support. The synergy between the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation and the National Sports Commission, led by the Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, provided our athletes with quality preparation through our camping programme in Nigeria before the final training camp in Aberdeen, Scotland,” Dr Abdul said.
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“The athletes have justified that investment with these outstanding performances and record-breaking victories.”
“ We are also delighted that athletes who excel are being rewarded immediately, which serves as additional motivation for everyone representing Nigeria.”
Dr Abdul also praised the federation’s technical crew, led by Technical Director Sefiya Onubaye and Chief Luke Ibeh, for their role in the preparations.
He added: “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. We remain confident that the remaining members of Team Nigeria will continue this impressive run and make the country even prouder.”
News Credit to our media partner The Nation .
