Team Nigeria made a commanding start to the weightlifting events at the 4th African Youth Games in Luanda, Angola, clinching eight gold medals and one silver on the opening day of competition on Thursday.
Favour Cornelius led Nigeria’s golden surge in the 44kg category, delivering a flawless performance to claim three gold medals. She lifted 50kg in the snatch, 64kg in the clean and jerk, and finished with a combined total of 114kg to top her division.
In the 48kg category, Esther Ezenwa continued Nigeria’s dominance with another triple-gold outing. She recorded lifts of 63kg in the snatch and 77kg in the clean and jerk, posting a total of 140kg to secure first place across all segments.
Chinaza Ezenwa also contributed significantly to Nigeria’s medal haul in the 53kg division, winning two gold medals and one silver.
She settled for silver in the snatch with a lift of 65kg before bouncing back to take gold in the clean and jerk with 83kg, as well as gold in the total after finishing with an impressive 148kg.
The weightlifting success further underlined Nigeria’s strong showing at the Games.
More medals ar expected as the event ends on Saturday, December 20.
The performances reflect the depth of Nigeria’s youth talent and ongoing efforts to strengthen athlete development and preparation as part of the country’s long-term sports growth strategy.
