Nigeria finished strongly at the African Open Para-Powerlifting Championships in Oran, Algeria, winning three more medals on the final day of the individual events to take its overall haul to 13 medals.
Team Nigeria ended the competition with seven gold, three silver and three bronze medals, while also setting new African and World records in a dominant display at the continental championship.
The final day’s performance was spearheaded by Mark Onyinyechi Gift in the women’s 67kg category, where she delivered a historic outing by breaking the African record and setting a new World Record.
Her achievement further reinforced Nigeria’s growing dominance in para-powerlifting on the continent and globally.
Also shining for Nigeria was Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who clinched gold in the women’s +86kg category to continue her impressive run on the international stage.
In the women’s 50kg event, Anigbogu Chikordi Esther claimed the silver medal after lifting 114kg, narrowly finishing behind compatriot Ajiboye Rukayat, who secured gold with a lift of 115kg in a closely fought all-Nigerian contest.
Nigeria’s overall performance in Oran highlighted the country’s continued strength in para-powerlifting and its sustained efforts to remain a dominant force in the sport across Africa and beyond.
