By Daily Sports Nigeria on November 14, 2025

Team Nigeria has made a significant impact at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, standing within the top six on the overall medal table, primarily due to an exceptional performance by their weightlifting team.

As the weightlifting events concluded on Day 9 on Thursday, Nigerian athletes had amassed a remarkable 14 medals, firmly establishing weightlifting as the nation’s “Golden Stronghold” at the Games.

This impressive tally includes six gold, five silver and three bronze medals.

The charge was led by Rafiatu Lawal, the “Queen of Gold”, who dominated the women’s 58kg category, securing a clean sweep of three gold medals in the snatch, clean and jerk, and total events. Her stellar performance provided the initial momentum for the entire Nigerian contingent.

Sarah Matthew contributed significantly in the women’s 77kg division, clinching a gold medal in the snatch, lifting 116kg, and a silver medal in the clean and jerk, resulting in an overall silver medal. Her efforts were crucial in elevating Nigeria’s standing.

Edidiong Umoafia showcased the strength of the men’s team by securing a gold medal in the men’s 71kg snatch, a silver in the overall total and a bronze in the clean and jerk.

Rising star Islamiyat Yusuf added to the golden haul with a crucial gold medal in the women’s 69kg snatch event. Ruth Ayodele also demonstrated remarkable resilience in the women’s 63kg category, earning a silver medal in the clean and jerk and two bronze medals in the snatch and total, narrowly missing the overall silver.

While weightlifting has been the primary source of medals, Nigeria’s boxing team also contributed to the tally.

Zainab Adeshina secured a silver medal in the women’s 51kg category, highlighted by a decisive first-round knockout in her quarter-final bout, showcasing promising talent in Nigerian women’s boxing.

With the weightlifting events now complete, Nigeria’s focus shifts to other sports where they have representation, including athletics, para-athletics, para-powerlifting, wrestling and taekwondo.

The nation eagerly awaits further successes from its athletes as the Games progress towards the closing ceremony on November 21.

Source Punch Ng

Posted November 14, 2025

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