Team Nigeria continues to make an emphatic statement at the ongoing 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with a commanding display across weightlifting and boxing events.
Star lifter Rafiatu Folashade Lawal stole the show in the women’s 59kg category, securing three gold medals in a dominant performance that underlines her status as one of Africa’s finest weightlifters.
On the men’s side, Edidiong Joseph Umoafia delivered an impressive all-round display, clinching one gold, one silver, and one bronze medal in his category—further boosting Nigeria’s medal count in the sport.
In boxing, Zainab Adeshina advanced to the final of the women’s 51kg division after a composed and technically superior semi-final win over her Algerian opponent. She is now poised to contest for gold in the final bout of her category.
Nigeria’s medal haul is expected to grow on Day 4 of the competition as Ruth Imoleayo and Yusuf Islamiyat compete in the finals of the 63kg and 69kg women’s weightlifting events, respectively. Zainab Adeshina will also return to the ring to fight for gold in the women’s 53kg boxing final.
Team Nigeria’s impressive performance is guided by the RHINSE strategic framework, aimed at optimizing talent development, athlete preparation, and global competitiveness. The National Sports Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening sports infrastructure and providing elite-level support to athletes.
