Africa Weightlifting championship: Nigeria Begins Quest For Paris Olympics Qualification

Last updated May 15, 2023

Nigeria began its quest for the 2024 Olympic Games qualification in the Weightlifting event, as two Nigerian lifters, Olarinoye Adijat, and Lawal Rafiatu will be on the stage today in Tunisia. The duo will be competing in the 59kg women’s category.

On Tuesday, two other Nigerian lifters will be on stage as well. Joy Eze, (71kg women) and Edidiong Umofia (73kg men) will compete.

Nigeria’s 5th athlete, Akano Desmond (89kg men) will round off Nigeria’s participation in the championship on Wednesday, May 17.

The athletes expressed optimism and assured Nigerians of a good outing.

Speaking with Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, media, Olarinoye Adijat and Edidiong Umofia said the athletes are not under pressure to perform adding that they aspire to begin the Olympic Games qualifiers on a high note.

“It is one of the championships we need to participate in to get our Olympic Games qualification ticket. We have done our best in camp, the president and his board supported us and we hope to begin high,” Olarinoye said.

On his part, Umoafia looked forward to his competition on Tuesday.

“We are not under pressure. We are in competition spirit and we hope to start high as we begin the Olympic Games qualification journey.

“No competition or championship is an easy one. You have to be on top of your game. Prepare well and ask for God’s grace. All the athletes are ready to compete,” he stated.

Nigeria weightlifters will participate in six championships as they seek to return Nigeria to the global weightlifting map in the 2024 Olympics Games in Paris, France.

The 2023 Africa Weightlifting Championship which commenced on May 14 will end on Friday, May 19th.