Nigeria has officially commenced its quest to secure qualification for the weightlifting event at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, with a strong delegation currently in Ahmedabad, India, for the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship.
The championship, which began on Monday, August 25, and will run until August 30, serves as the qualifying tournament for the Glasgow Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2, 2026.
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Among the Nigerian lifters are Akwa Ibom-born duo Ruth Asuquo and Edidiong Umoafia, both representing the country with high expectations. Asuquo, competing in the women’s 48kg category, will be making her debut at the championship, while Umoafia, who will feature in the men’s 71kg category, is appearing for the second consecutive time.
Umoafia first featured at the 2021 edition in Uzbekistan, where he booked a ticket to the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games and went on to win bronze in the men’s 67kg event.
Other Nigerian lifters in Ahmedabad include:
Omolola Onome (women’s 53kg)
Favour Agboro (men’s 65kg)
Rafiatu Lawal (women’s 58kg)
Ruth Ayodele (women’s 58kg)
Islamiyat Yusuf (women’s 69kg)
Adeda Adelaka (men’s 79kg)
Sarah Matthew (women’s 77kg)
Brenda Uchenna (women’s 86kg)
Mary Osijo (women’s +86kg)
Lucky Joseph (men’s +110kg)
With a blend of debutants and experienced campaigners, Team Nigeria will be hoping to secure multiple slots for the Glasgow Games and build on the country’s rich history of success in Commonwealth weightlifting.
