By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 6, 2025

Nigeria’s Rafiatu Lawal made history at the 2025 International Weightlifting Federation World Championships in Forde, Norway, after clinching three silver medals in the women’s 58kg category on Sunday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.

Lawal, competing against some of the world’s best lifters, became Africa’s first medallist at this year’s championship, finishing behind North Korea’s Kim Il-Gyong, who won gold with a world record total, while Tokyo Olympic champion Kuo Hsing-Chun of Chinese Taipei won bronze.

Kim led Lawal by 3kg at the halfway point and widened the gap to 7kg after lifting 132kg on her penultimate attempt, setting a world record total of 236kg. The jury, however, ruled out her final 134kg attempt for deliberate oscillation.

Lawal, who also lost a lift on jury review, finished with 101kg in the snatch and 128kg in the clean and jerk for a total of 229kg. Kuo ended with 96kg in the snatch, 128kg in the clean and jerk, and a total of 224kg.

Miranda Ulrey of the United States won the bronze medal in the snatch event with 98kg and finished fifth overall.

Lawal’s victory is a significant milestone for Nigerian weightlifting, as she became the first athlete from the country to win three silver medals at the World Championships.

Her success also reaffirmed her consistency and dominance on the global stage, having previously won gold medals at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, and the 2023 African Games in Accra. She also finished fifth at last year’s Paris Olympic Games.

Following her historic performance, the National Sports Commission commended Lawal and the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation for their contributions to the nation’s growing presence in the sport.

NSC chairman, Shehu Dikko, described Lawal’s achievement as a proud moment for Nigeria and a reflection of resilience and hard work.

“Rafiatu Lawal’s performance in Norway is a proud moment for Nigeria and a shining example of what dedication and commitment can achieve. Her three silver medals on the world stage not only highlight her consistency since the 2019 African Games but also the effort of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation. We will continue to support our athletes and federations, as every finish line marks the beginning of a new race,” Dikko said.

NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, also praised the athlete, saying her triumph was a source of national inspiration.

“We are proud of Rafiatu and the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation for this milestone achievement. She has inspired young girls and lifted the spirit of our nation, flying our flag high at the World Championships. We have our eyes set on the Olympics and with hard work, nothing is impossible,” Olopade stated.

In a separate statement, the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation congratulated Lawal for her landmark success, with President Ibrahim Aladi hailing her determination and discipline.

“Rafiatu has once again proven that Nigerian weightlifters can stand tall on the world stage. Her performance in Norway is a product of focus, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of greatness,” Aladi said.

Lawal’s achievement surpasses the previous best record set by Ruth Ayodele, who won two silver and one bronze medal at the 2023 IWF World Championships in Saudi Arabia and with her latest success, she has not only lifted Nigeria’s profile in global weightlifting but also strengthened the nation’s confidence ahead of future international competitions, including the 2026 Commonwealth and 2028 Olympic Games.

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 6, 2025

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