Team Nigeria has had a successful medal day in Birmingham as two more weightlifters from Nigeria, Lawal Rafiatu Folashade and Edidiong Joseph Umoafia, have added to their collection of medals from the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
In the women’s 59 kg division, Folashade won Nigeria’s second gold medal on Sunday afternoon. 206 kg total weight lifted, 90 kg snatch and 116 kg clean and jerk. Additionally, she broke the class record for the Commonwealth Games.
The 26-year-old followed in the footsteps of her countrywoman Olarinoye Adenike Adijat, who had earned Nigeria’s first gold medal in a weightlifting competition on Saturday night.
Edidiong Joseph Umoafia nearly missed winning the gold medal on Sunday morning but settled for bronze. He finished third by putting up a total of 290 kg in the 67 kg men’s category, including 160 kg in the clean and jerk and 130 kg in the snatch.
In response to the number of medals won thus far, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, NWF, credited God’s favor and early planning.
“First of all, I’m currently unable to manage my happiness. Nigerians should anticipate more medals in weightlifting, I stated yesterday. I made that statement because I am aware of the caliber of lifters we sent to Birmingham. Children who are dedicated and prepared to keep making their country proud.
On Monday, August 1, two lifters will compete, continuing Nigeria’s quest for more medals. Africa Championship gold medalist Islamiat Yusuf will lead Nigeria’s effort in the 64kg women’s category at 2:00 PM, followed by her countrywoman Joy Eze at 6:30 PM in the 71kg women’s category.
Liadi Taiwo will compete on Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the 76-kg women’s division, and Osijo Mary Taiwo will test the waters on Wednesday at 4 p.m. in the 87-kg division.
