World Champs: NSC hails Team Nigeria’s para athletes News

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World Champs: NSC hails Team Nigeria’s para athletes

By Daily Sports Nigeria on October 21, 2025

The Nigeria Sports Commission has congratulated the nation’s para powerlifting contingent for their outstanding performance at the just-concluded World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt.

Team Nigeria showcased remarkable strength and national pride, finishing second overall on the medals table with an impressive haul of 20 medals comprising eight gold, seven silver, and five bronze.

China narrowly claimed the top spot with 21 medals, consisting of 13 gold, four silver, and four bronze.

The Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the athletes for their resilience and for lifting the Nigerian flag high on the global stage.

“Our para athletes have once again proven that Nigeria remains a powerhouse in para powerlifting. Their dedication and discipline embody the true spirit of our nation. The NSC remains committed to supporting and empowering our athletes to reach even greater heights,” Olopade said.

A major highlight of the championships was Nigerian para powerlifter Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who broke her own world record to win gold on Thursday.

The 40-year-old lifted 168kg in the women’s over 86kg category to surpass her previous mark of 167kg, which she set at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.

The lift earned Oluwafemiayo her fourth world title and extended her remarkable dominance in para powerlifting on the global stage.

China’s Cui Zhe finished second to claim silver, while Iran’s Nikoo Roozbahani took bronze in the competition.

Oluwafemiayo, who is also a two-time Paralympic champion, was competing in her fifth World Championships appearance, having previously won gold at Mexico City 2017, Nur-Sultan 2019, Tbilisi 2021, and now Cairo 2025.

The President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Mr Sunday Odebode, praised the NSC’s leadership for its unwavering support of para sports.

“This is a breath of fresh air for para sports in Nigeria. The athletes are motivated, the system is improving, and there’s renewed confidence amongst our teams. We deeply appreciate the commitment of the NSC Chairman, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the DG, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their exceptional leadership and support,” Odebode said.

The 11th edition of the championships, which ran from October 9 to 18, featured both the Rookie & Next Gen event and the Elite World Championships.

Oluwafemiayo’s victory in Cairo holds special significance as it marks the first time the World Para Powerlifting Championships have been hosted in Africa.

Nigeria’s para athletes are now gearing up for their next challenge, the West African Para Soccer Tournament, set to take place in Lagos, as preparations continue under the guidance and support of the NSC.

The NSC reaffirmed its resolve to continue prioritising inclusivity and excellence in sports, ensuring that para athletes receive the recognition and resources they deserve.

Source Punch Ng

Posted October 21, 2025