The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) for organizing a training programme for its athletes and coaches. The NSC’s Deputy Director, Coaching and Technical Unit, Mr. Olusola Fayoyiwa, expressed his optimism about the programme’s potential to enhance the performance of Nigerian weightlifters.
“I am happy with what I saw here because this is the direction of the present leadership of the commission, how we can improve on our performance and at the same time catch them from the grassroots,” Mr. Fayoyiwa said during a visit to the training center at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja.
The training programme, which started on Monday and will end on Sunday, features 30 participants, including 22 athletes and 8 coaches. A globally sought-after weightlifting coach, Maged Salama from Austria, is coordinating the training.
“I can see the techniques the foreign coach is impacting on the athletes, so I am very happy. The training will enhance the performance of Nigeria weightlifting athletes and Coaches no doubt,” Mr. Fayoyiwa added.
The NSC official also acknowledged the challenges facing the sport, including a shortage of facilities and equipment. “We need to improve on our equipment and facilities, we don’t have the standard facilities that can push us forward. But the Commission will look into that in getting better equipment and more training opportunities like what we have now,” he said.
The training programme is part of the NWF’s efforts to develop its athletes and coaches, and the NSC’s recognition of the programme’s potential is a positive step towards improving Nigeria’s weightlifting performance.
