Nigeria’s medal count at the ongoing Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh has climbed to 15, following Elizabeth Anyanacho’s impressive bronze medal win in the women’s under-70kg taekwondo event, as athletics officially gets underway in the final week of competition.
Anyanacho, one of Team Nigeria’s standout medal prospects, showed impressive form at the Malaz Combat Hall, opening her campaign with a dominant 2–0 victory over Iainne Taju in the quarterfinals.
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Her performance reflected the class that recently earned her a historic bronze medal at the World Championships in China, where she ended Nigeria’s two-decade wait for a podium finish in the -67kg category.
Her push for a place in the final came to a narrow halt in the semifinals after a tight 2–1 defeat to Iran’s Yalda Valinejad. Undeterred, the African number one regained momentum in the bronze-medal bout, defeating Sara Jallab 2–0 to secure Nigeria’s fourth bronze of the Games.
In the final, Uzbekistan’s Ozoda Sobirjonova edged Valinejad 2–1 to claim gold, while Turkey’s Sila Gençer earned the second bronze medal with a 2–0 win over Dunya Saber.
Anyanacho’s achievement strengthens Nigeria’s position on the medal table, where the country currently sits seventh with six gold, five silver, and four bronze medals. Weightlifting has contributed significantly to the tally, setting a strong tone for the remaining events.
Meanwhile, athletics commenced on Monday at the Prince Faisal bin Fahad Sports City, offering a massive 43 gold medals and presenting Nigeria with its biggest opportunity for a surge in the standings. Para sports will follow, adding further medal prospects for the team.
Wrestling is also set to begin on Tuesday at Boulevard Riyadh City, with Nigeria’s para powerlifters entering the competition boosted by their second-place finish at the recent World Championships in Egypt.
With several events still ahead, officials remain confident that Nigeria’s medal haul will rise sharply before the Games conclude.
