Nigeria has opened its medal tally at the 2025 Africa Youth/Junior Weightlifting Championship in Accra, Ghana, with a brilliant performance from rising star Ezenwa Chinaza Cecilia.
Chinaza claimed two gold medals and one silver in the 48kg youth category, displaying exceptional strength, composure, and technique against some of Africa’s top young lifters. Her success marks an important milestone in Nigeria’s push to nurture new talent in weightlifting and positions her as a future star for the national team.
The championship, organised by the Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA) in collaboration with the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, runs from 15th to 26th August in Accra.
Nigeria is being represented by two athletes – Chinaza (48kg youth) and Florence Oluwadamilare Olarinoye (58kg youth) – alongside Coach Odurinde Ruth Jumoke and Technical Official Onubaye Sefiya. With Chinaza already securing medals, attention now shifts to Florence, who will compete in her weight category on Tuesday, August 19.
The Nigerian delegation’s participation was made possible through the personal sponsorship of Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Aladi, President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF). Dr. Abdul, recently re-elected for a second term, covered the entire cost of the trip, a move praised for demonstrating his commitment to grassroots development and international exposure for young athletes.
According to Dorathy Benard Okpo, Assistant Secretary of the NWF, the federation promptly facilitated Nigeria’s participation after receiving the WFA invitation, ensuring smooth representation at the continental event.
With Chinaza’s impressive start and Florence’s event ahead, Team Nigeria looks set for a promising outing in Accra, as the nation rallies behind its young lifters to make the country proud.
