Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) president, Dr. Ibrahim Aladi Abdul has disclosed a number of progressive strides that have been achieved by the body ahead of this year’s Commonwealth Games, Sports247 reports.
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Dr Abdul also expressed gratitude to the National Sports Commission (NSC) and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the release of training grants to five weightlifters as part of preparations for major international competitions.
A press statement by the NWF’s media noted that Abdul described the grants as a reflection of purposeful leadership by President Tinubu and thanked him for creating an enabling environment where athletes’ welfare is receiving vibrant attention.
He also lauded chairman of the NSC, Mallam Shehu Dikko and the director-general, Honourable Bukola Olopade for translating the president’s vision for sports into support for athletes.
The training grants went to Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, Onome Didih, Sarah Matthew, Edidiong Umoafia and Joy Benedict, who are key in Nigeria’s weightlifting ambitions at this year’s Commonwealth Games and 2028 Olympics.
“We sincerely thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his purposeful leadership and clear commitment to repositioning Nigerian sports as a tool for national pride and global competitiveness.
“His vision is being effectively driven through the National Sports Commission. We are grateful to Mallam Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade for ensuring that this support reaches our athletes at the right time.
“These training grants are not just financial assistance; they are a statement of belief in Nigerian weightlifting and in the potential of our athletes to excel on the world stage,” Abdul stated.
The NWF’s boss also confirmed that the federation is intensifying preparations towards the African Senior Weightlifting Championship scheduled for May in Ismaili, Egypt, which will serve as final qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, billed for Edinburgh, Scotland in July.
He noted that the championship represents another huge opportunity for Nigeria to increase its athletes’ quota for this year’s Commonwealth Games.
Abdul disclosed, “At present, three of our weightlifters – Sarah Matthew, Islamiyat Yusuf and Onome Didih – have already qualified to represent Nigeria at the Commonwealth Games.
“However, participation in the African Championship in Egypt will give us the opportunity to qualify additional athletes and ensure that Nigeria competes in Edinburgh with more than three weightlifters and a stronger overall team.”
He then reiterated that the NWF is working relentlessly to raise a formidable pool of athletes capable of competing successfully at continental and global championships, aligning with the broader national sports development agenda of the Federal Government.
In further demonstration of its commitment to grassroots and regional sports development, the NWF president also disclosed that the body will send coaches and referees to Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games, following a request by the organisers, as weightlifting is one of 16 sporting events to be competed there.
Abdul revealed, “The Niger Delta Games presents a valuable platform for talent discovery and technical development.
“The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation is pleased to support the Games by providing qualified coaches and referees to ensure high technical standards and contribute meaningfully to the growth of weightlifting in the region.”
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