The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the leadership of the National Sports Commission (NSC) following the approval and release of training grants for five elite Nigerian weightlifters ahead of major international competitions.
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President of the NWF, Dr. Ibrahim Aladi Abdul, described the intervention as a clear demonstration of purposeful leadership and a renewed commitment to sports development and athlete welfare in Nigeria.
He commended President Tinubu for creating an enabling environment that prioritises high-performance sports and positions athletes for global success.
Dr. Abdul also praised the Chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Bukola Olopade, for effectively translating the President’s vision into tangible support for athletes.
The beneficiaries of the training grants are Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, Onome Didih, Sarah Matthew, Edidiong Umoafia, and Joy Benedict. According to the NWF, the athletes are central to Nigeria’s weightlifting ambitions as the country prepares for the Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.
“We sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his purposeful leadership and clear commitment to repositioning Nigerian sports as a source of national pride and global competitiveness,” Dr. Abdul said.
“Through the National Sports Commission, this vision is being driven effectively, and we appreciate Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade for ensuring that this support reaches our athletes at the right time.”
He added that the grants go beyond financial assistance, describing them as a strong vote of confidence in Nigerian weightlifting and in the ability of the athletes to excel on the international stage.
Dr. Abdul further disclosed that the federation is intensifying preparations for the African Senior Weightlifting Championship scheduled for May in Ismailia, Egypt.
The championship will serve as the final qualification event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh, Scotland, slated for July 2026.
According to him, the competition presents a crucial opportunity for Nigeria to increase its athlete quota for the Games.
“Currently, three of our weightlifters — Sarah Matthew, Islamiyat Yusuf, and Onome Didih — have already qualified for the Commonwealth Games,” he revealed.
“Participation in the African Championship in Egypt will give us the chance to qualify additional athletes and ensure that Nigeria competes in Edinburgh with a stronger and expanded team.”
Reaffirming the federation’s long-term vision, Dr. Abdul said the NWF remains committed to building a formidable pool of athletes capable of competing successfully at continental and global championships, in line with the Federal Government’s broader sports development agenda.
In further support of grassroots and regional sports growth, the NWF President also confirmed that the federation will deploy coaches and referees to the Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games, following a request from the organisers. Weightlifting is among the 16 sports to be featured at the Games.
“The Niger Delta Games offers an important platform for talent discovery and technical development,” Dr. Abdul said.
“The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation is pleased to support the Games by providing qualified coaches and referees to maintain high technical standards and contribute meaningfully to the growth of weightlifting in the region.”
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