Nigeria’s women weightlifters have opened their campaign at 2026 Africa Senior Weightlifting Championship and 16th Mediterranean Cup with a commanding performance in Ismaila, Egypt.
Ruth Nyong Asuquo (48kg), Onome Omolola Didih (53kg) and Rafiat Afolashade Lawal (58kg) each secured three gold medals in their respective weight classes, pushing Nigeria to the top of the medal standings after Day 2 with nine gold medals already won.
Beyond the podium finishes, the performances have strengthened Nigeria’s push for places at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the championship serving as an official qualification event.
With only 10 athletes representing the country, Nigeria’s rise to the top of the medal table underlines the depth of quality within the squad and the growing consistency of the nation’s women weightlifters on the international stage.