The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has congratulated Rafiatu Folashade Lawal on her historic outing on the 2025 IWF World Championships in Forde, Norway.
Lawal made historical past by profitable three silver medals within the ladies’s 58kg class, changing into the primary Nigerian ever to realize such a feat globally.
Her newest success provides to an already spectacular document, together with gold medals on the 2019 African Video games in Rabat and the 2022 Commonwealth Video games in Birmingham.
She additionally claimed high honours on the 2023 African Video games in Accra, cementing her fame as one among Nigeria’s most constant weightlifters.
In Norway, Lawal lifted 101kg within the snatch, 128kg within the clear and jerk, recording a complete of 229kg to complete second general.
North Korea’s Kim Il-Gyong claimed three gold medals with a world document complete of 236kg, whereas Olympic champion Kuo Hsing-chun of Chinese language Taipei took two bronze with 224kg.
Ulrey Eleanor of america secured the remaining bronze medal within the snatch with a raise of 98kg.
Reacting, NWF President Ibrahim Aladi expressed immense pleasure and pleasure, describing Lawal’s success as a testomony to her laborious work and self-discipline.
“Rafiatu has as soon as once more confirmed that Nigerian weightlifters can stand tall on the world stage,” Aladi mentioned in a press release on Sunday.
He praised her dedication and dedication, noting that her efficiency in Norway mirrored resilience, focus, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Aladi additionally counseled the Nationwide Sports activities Fee and the NWF Board Members for his or her continued assist for Nigerian weightlifters.
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“We’re dedicated to making sure our athletes proceed to attend worldwide competitions to maintain Nigeria sturdy in world weightlifting,” he added.
The NWF president highlighted that Lawal’s efficiency surpassed the earlier finest document held by Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele.
Ayodele, who competed within the ladies’s 64kg class, received two silver and one bronze medal on the 2023 IWF World Championships in Saudi Arabia.
She lifted 100kg within the snatch, 122kg within the clear and jerk, and 222kg in complete — a document now eclipsed by Lawal’s 229kg complete.
Aladi additional urged company organisations and philanthropists to assist the federation’s programmes and athlete growth initiatives.
He burdened that ample funding is crucial to maintain progress and put together Nigerian lifters for future competitions.
“We enchantment to the non-public sector to accomplice with us so our lifters proceed to signify Nigeria proudly.
“With ample assist, we are able to produce extra world champions like Rafiatu Lawal,” he mentioned.
(NAN)
