Team Nigeria’s contingent at the ongoing Commonwealth Games in Birmingham had cause to smile again yesterday as two weightlifters won two more medals to bring the country’s medal haul to three.
On Sunday morning, Edidiong Joseph Umoafia opened the day on a promising note as he won bronze medal after lifting a total of 290kg in the 67kg men’s category comprising 130kg snatch and 160kg clean and jerk to place third.
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Still basking in the euphoria of the bronze medal, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal lifted another gold medal in Women’s 59kg to take Team Nigeria’s medals to three.
Following in the footsteps of her compatriot Olarinoye Adijat who had set the ball rolling for Team Nigeria with her gold medal on Saturday, the 26-year old lifter made a lift of 206k comprising of 90kg snatch and 116k clean and jerk to set a new Commonwealth Games record.
While reacting to the outstanding performance of his athletes, president of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr Ibrahim Abdul, attributed the success story so far to God’s blessings as well as early preparations.
“First of all, I cannot control my joy at this point. Yesterday (Saturday), I said that Nigerians should expect more medals from weightlifting. I said that because I know the quality of lifters we’ve brought to Birmingham. They are committed and hard working children who are ready to continue to do the country proud,” said Abdul.
Not ready to rest on their oars, Nigerian wrestlers will be in the hunt for more medals today as two lifters, Islamiat Yusuf who won gold at the African Championship in Mauritius will be in action in Women’s 64kg category with her compatriot, Joy Eze, vying for honours in the 71kg later today.
Liadi Taiwo will take her turn on Tuesday in the 76kg category while Osijo Mary Taiwo will be in action on Wednesday as Team Nigeria seeks to haul more medals in weightlifting.
Meanwhile, Nigeria has secured qualification to the semi-finals of the men’s Table Tennis Team.
After a sluggish start at NEC Hall 3 on Sunday, an inspired Nigerian side, led by Quadri Aruna, bounced back to defeat Malaysia 3-2, booking today’s semi-final tie against India.
In the boxing event, Nigeria’s Adeyinka Benson defeated his Ghanaian opponent Abubakari Kwesi Quartey 3-2 in Round 16 of the men’s over 71kg-75kg Middleweight category.
Benson has progressed to the quarterfinals. (NAN)
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