Joel Ajayi
Para-Powerlifting African Open Championships: Nigeria Wraps up Tourney With 13 Medals, as Onyinyechi Mark Smashes World and African Records on Final Day
Team Nigeria wrapped up its impressive outing at the African Open Para-Powerlifting Championships in Oran, Algeria, ending the final day of individual events, with an additional three medals comprising two gold and one silver, while also recording new African and World records.
At the end of its participation, Nigeria’s total tally at the championships stood at 13 medals, consisting of seven gold, three silver, and three bronze medals.
On the final day. Nigeria’s medal rush was headlined by Mark Onyinyechi Gift in the women’s 67kg category. She delivered a historic performance by breaking the African record and also setting a new World Record, underscoring Nigeria’s growing reputation as a powerhouse in para-powerlifting.
Another outstanding moment was the remarkable performance of Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who claimed gold in the women’s +86kg category.
In the women’s 50kg category, Anigbogu Chikordi Esther secured a silver medal after lifting 114kg, finishing closely behind her compatriot, Ajiboye Rukayat, who won the gold medal with a lift of 115kg in a fiercely contested all-Nigerian battle for the podium’s top spot.
The performances of the Nigerian athletes in Oran demonstrated the country’s excellence and the sustained efforts to dominate para-powerlifting across Africa and beyond.
At the end of the Championship, Team Nigeria secured;
7 gold, 3 silver & 3 bronze
1. Gold – (41kg Female category) Anifat Ganiyu
2. Gold- ( 50kg female category) Ajiboye Rukayat
3. Gold- (73kg female) Ani Chiamaka
4. Gold – ( 79kg female) Ferdinard Rita
5. Gold- (67kg female) Mark Onyinyechi Gift
6. Gold -( 45kg female) Ogundolie Tolulope
7. Gold – ( +86kg female) Folashade oluwafemiayo
8. Silver – ( 50kg female category) Nworgu Esther
9. Silver- (55kg female) Oyema Esther
10. Silver- ( 61kg female) Anigbogu Chikordi Franka
11. Bronze- ( 88kg Male category) Riluwan Idris Sabo
12. Bronze- (59kg Male)Dauda Ibrahim Ajibola
13. Bronze- (54kg Male) Ezuruike Roland
