Globally renowned weightlifting coach and former Olympic gold medalist, Maged Salama, has declared that Nigeria possesses the raw talent and potential to challenge world heavyweight China in the sport of weightlifting.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday while addressing athletes and coaches at a one-week training program organized by the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Salama was effusive in his praise for the quality of lifters Nigeria has in its ranks.
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“From the list I have here and the records therein, Nigeria has the potentials to challenge China in weightlifting. The talents are there and if well harnessed, you can dominate the world,” Salama confidently asserted.
Salama, who has coached world champions across Egypt, Sweden, and Australia, is in Nigeria to lead a specialized training programme designed to boost the capacity and global competitiveness of Nigerian lifters.
“Nigeria has a great history in weightlifting, and I believe there are just a few missing links to be knotted to achieve even greater history in the future. With dominant athlete ages between 15 and 23 years, the prospect for Nigeria is very high,” he added.
The Austrian-based coach emphasized that achieving world-class success in weightlifting goes beyond raw talent. He highlighted self-discipline, consistent training, and proper nutrition as non-negotiable elements for global success.
“To achieve stardom, you need to discipline yourself, be consistent in training, and maintain effective nutrition. Be cautious of the food and supplements you take. My coming to Nigeria is to help make you better, but a lot is expected of you,” he told the athletes.
The high-profile training camp, which commenced on Friday, is being attended by 22 athletes and eight coaches. The program is part of NWF’s strategic plan to position Nigeria as a powerhouse in global weightlifting.
Earlier, the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Aladi, charged participants to take full advantage of the rare opportunity to train under one of the sport’s best minds. He also reaffirmed the Federation’s commitment to athlete and coach development.
“This training is a great opportunity to improve yourselves. The Federation will continue to prioritize the welfare and development of our athletes and coaches,” Dr. Aladi said.
The one-week training camp is set to conclude on Sunday, but its impact may be felt for years if Salama’s words and experience are anything to go by. With the right support and commitment, Nigeria may very well be on the cusp of a golden era in weightlifting.
