Edo State has emerged as the undisputed champion in weightlifting at the ongoing 9th National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State. The team clinched a total of 12 medals, including 9 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze, outperforming other states in the country.
Medal Standings:
1st Place: Edo State – 9 Gold, 1 Silver, 2 Bronze (12 Total)
2nd Place: Akwa Ibom State – 5 Gold, 2 Silver, 2 Bronze (9 Total)-
3rd Place: Abia State – 3 Gold
4th Place: Niger State – 1 Gold, 2 Silver
Edo’s Dominance: The state swept all 9 gold medals in the women’s weight classes, with athletes like Favour Cornelius, Esther Amarachi Chijoke, and Beauty Akpore each winning multiple gold medals.
Akwa Ibom’s Strength: The state won 5 gold medals in the men’s division, with athletes like Destiny Okon Bassey and Goodness Samuel Okon securing multiple gold medals.
Abia’s Impressive Performance: Vitalis Nnaji Chiemerie won 3 gold medals in the men’s 60kg category.
“We commend the outstanding performances of the athletes and assure that newly discovered talents will be given more opportunities to develop and make the sport their own”, said Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Aladi, President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF):
Sefiya Onubaye Ahuozia, the NWF Technical Official emphasised that “The quality of competition at the National Youth Games is impressive, and we are confident that Nigeria’s future in weightlifting remains bright.”
The NWF’s commitment to building a steady pool of weightlifters capable of representing Nigeria at both national and international levels is evident in the federation’s support for young athletes. The outstanding performances at the National Youth Games are a testament to the potential of Nigerian weightlifters.
