By Daily Sports Nigeria on August 12, 2025
Team Nigeria departed for Santiago, Chile, on Monday evening to compete in the World Para-Powerlifting World Cup scheduled for August 15 to 17, 2025, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The squad, made up of 10 athletes, eight women and two men, jetted out of Nigeria after a delayed flight.
The delegation features some of the nation’s most decorated para-powerlifters, including multiple world champions and Paralympic medallists.
The male representatives are Roland Ezuruike (Men’s up to 54kg) and Riluwan Idris (Men’s up to 88kg). The women’s team comprises Tolulope Ogundolie (up to 45kg), Rukayat Ajiboye (up to 50kg), Esther Oyema (up to 55kg), Franca Anigbogu (up to 61kg), Onyinyechi Mark (up to 67kg), Chiamaka Ani (up to 73kg), Rita Ferdinard (up to 79kg) and Folashade Oluwafemiayo (over 86kg).
Speaking to PUNCH Sports Extra before departure, Oluwafemiayo, one of Nigeria’s most accomplished para-powerlifters, expressed the team’s determination to deliver another strong performance.
She emphasised the athletes’ appreciation for the support they have received from the authorities, noting, “We want to use this time to thank the sports commission for their efforts. Our target is to go and bring back the glory to our country.”
Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, praised the commitment and dedication shown by the athletes during their preparations.
He urged them to compete with the discipline and focus that have brought Nigeria global recognition in the sport.
“You are carrying the hopes and pride of millions of Nigerians. Compete with focus, discipline, and the fighting spirit that has made our country a powerhouse in para-powerlifting. We believe in your ability to make history once again and bring glory to the nation,” Olopade said.
Source Punch Ng
Posted August 12, 2025
You may also like...
Emery quiet on Ozil fate after ‘tactical’ omission...
Struggling Lyon Plan To Sack Coach Sylvinho
Galatasaray Sweating Over Onyekuru’s Fitness Ahead Of Besiktas...
Chippa coach hints at Nwabali exit
Cristiano Ronaldo Determined To Retire With More Balon...
Okowa targets 2026 Commonwealth Games podium finish
D’Tigers suffer second-straight loss as W’Cup hopes fade
I just want to make impact – Arokodare
Ucheibe joins Oshoala at Al Hilal
Thunder Balogun died day I was to meet him – Odegbami
Ikpeme, Abdulrahaman take charge of NFF, NPFL
Warren likens Itauma to Messi, Woods
D’Tigers fall 78-62 against Cameroon in W’Cup qualifiers
Gusau resignation: N12bn NFF intervention fund probe ongoing, says EFCC
NFF election process suspended, Ikpeme takes over as interim boss
Hockey excluded from 23rd National Sports Festival
Amusan makes Diamond League return in Zurich
AFN cautions athletes over risky scholarship deals
Most Read
Rangers International going, going . . . (64,057 views)
Amaju Pinnick: A cat with nine lives (55,415 views)
Second Term: Amaju Pinnick, Other NFF Heavyweights Home to Roost •How Pinnick Broke the Jinx (53,300 views)
Current issues in Nigerian sports: Matters arising (52,903 views)
Sports Development: Zenith Bank on the zenith (52,782 views)
Missing $150,000 IAAF Grant: Solomon Dalung’s Hide and Seek game (52,655 views)
Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje’s solid footprints, commitment to sports development in Kano State (52,563 views)
NFF Presidency: Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi, Okoye in Battle for Supremacy (52,076 views)
Olopade, BET9A wave of revolution in NNL (51,266 views)
Commonwealth Games 2018: Shame of Muhammadu Buhari, Solomon Dalung (49,743 views)
Ibrahimovic’s Man U exit: Whose decision is it? And in whose interest? (48,225 views)
John Mikel Obi: Segun Odegbami’s Outrageous Call! (47,611 views)