The president of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul has revealed five factors that helped the country’s contingent excel at the recent African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, Sports247 reports.
While reflecting on the historic outing, Abdul praised the lifters for their courage and determination, then noted the impact played by proper preparation, adequate welfare and support by all stakeholders.
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Abdul also thanked top shots of National Sports Commission (NSC) for their support and pointed out that the nation’s lifters confirmed that the country remains a strong force on the continent.
The NWF boss noted the role played by NSC’s chairman, Mallam Dikko as well as the director-general, Honourable Bukola Olopade, who visited their camp during the competition.
He also acknowledged that proper preparations and adequate motivation also helped the contingent excel at the championship, where the women’s team placed first wirh a totat of 12 gold medals.
He further described the feat as a strong indication that Nigerian sports can attain greater heights with proper preparation, unflinching support and adequate motivation of the country’s athletes.
His verdict came after Nigeria’s contingent of 10 lifters got one of the country’s most impressive outings on the continental stage, winning a total of 29 medals – 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze – during the championship.
Abdul further added that the performance was due to total commitment, discipline and fighting spirit displayed by the lifters throughout the competition.
He posited extensively, “This performance is a clear statement that Nigeria remains a major force in African weightlifting. Our athletes showed courage, determination and excellence against the best on the continent.
“The results from Egypt prove that with adequate preparations, proper welfare and continuous encouragement from stakeholders, Nigerian sports can compete favourably anywhere in the world. The future of weightlifting and indeed Nigerian sports is very bright.”
