Sports
Eight Nigerian Powerlifters Qualify for Olympics
No fewer than eight
Nigerian power lifters qualified for the finals of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Mr Samuel Ekeoma, the Technical Director, Para-Power Lifting Federation of Nigeria (PFN) said.
Ekeoma disclosed this in an Interview with the Tidesports in Umuahia that the country won seven medals during the qualifying series in Khorfakkan, United Arab Emirates in October.
The total medal haul included three gold, three silver and one bronze.
The Tidesports reports that Nigeria’s Lovelyn Obiji broke the Junior World Record with a 136kg lift to break the previous record of 120 kg.
“In that competition, the whole eight athletes that we took to United Arab Emirates qualified 10 represent Nigeria and we are still hoping to qualify more athletes because the Federation hopes more on power lifting for more medals to come during the paralympic games.
Lovelyn Obiji broke the world junior record in that competition with the lift of 136 kilos to break the previous record of 120kg and she also went on to set a new world junior record of 138kg that gave her the gold medal in that competition.”
He said that the future of the paralympic games in the country was bright, and that the games had made some disabled persons in Nigeria to become celebrities.
Ekeoma called for sponsorship for the Federation, lamenting that the National Sports Commission had been the only source of encouragement.
The future of Nigeria in the power lifting game is very bright. It’s just a sign of good things to come when we go to London 2012 Paralympic Games.
“Our major constraint here is sponsorship because a lot of attention has been diverted to sports that always bring shame to Nigeria.
But I so much thank National Sports Commission ably led by Dr Patrick Ekeji who have been behind the power lifting success.”
He pealed to corporate organisations to assist in providing kits and others forms of sponsorship to the Federation.
Ekeoma noted that such a move would multiply the fortunes of the sponsors.
“We are calling on corporate bodies to come and brand us as we are going to London 2012. Companies can come to dress us, give us their logos and every other thing.
“We will put it on and go and sell them out there. We are celebrities and whatsoever thing we put on, shows ~that tJ.1ing is a quality thing because we are quality athletes.”
Tidesports reports that further qualifying series would hold in February at a yet to be named country and that PFN hopes to qualify 16 athletes for the London Paralympic game.
The Nigerian, who arrived in China fresh from winning gold at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Ghana earlier on Wednesday, clocked a season’s best of 12.41s behind Olympic champion Masai Russell and Bahamian star Devynne Charlton.
Russell produced a dominant display to win the race in a meeting record and world-leading time of 12.25s, improving on her previous world lead of 12.40s.
Charlton, the reigning world indoor champion, finished second in 12.38s in one of her strongest outdoor performances to date.
Amusan, whose world record of 12.12s remains the fastest time ever run in the event, improved significantly from her previous season’s best of 12.84s set during her victorious outing at the African Championships in Accra.
The 29-year-old was competing in a stacked field that included reigning world champion Ditaji Kambundji of Switzerland, Jamaican pair Megan Simmonds and Ackera Nugent, China’s Wu Yanni and Americans Tonea Marshall and Danielle Williams.
Kambundji, who won the world title in Tokyo last year with a Swiss record 12.24s, finished fifth in 12.82s, while Jamaica’s Nugent placed sixth in 12.98s.
Marshall and Williams failed to finish the race.
Following Amusan’s victory in Accra, the three-time Diamond League final winner expressed gratitude to her supporters while insisting she remained determined to achieve more success this season.
“Beyond grateful to God, my team, supporters, and everyone who continues to believe in me through every season. Historic feeling. Still hungry for more. The mission continues,”
The 10-time African champions are scheduled to take on the Teranga Lionesses on June 5 and 8 at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne, Ogun State, in what will form a key part of their build-up to July’s continental tournament.
The fixtures were confirmed on social media platform X by Super Falcons Show, which announced the details of the encounter and venue.
“Nigeria’s senior women’s national team, the Super Falcons, will take on Senegal Women’s National Team in a double-header international friendly scheduled for June 5 and 8,” the post read.
“Both matches will be played in Ikenne, Nigeria.”
The friendlies come after Nigeria’s proposed training tour of the United Kingdom, which included a planned match against Jamaica, was cancelled due to scheduling complications linked to FIFA’s official women’s international window. The timing meant clubs would not have been obliged to release players.
With that tour shelved, the Senegal fixtures now offer a timely opportunity for coach Justine Madugu and his technical team to assess squad options, test tactical systems and strengthen team cohesion ahead of the WAFCON campaign and longer-term qualification targets for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Senegal are expected to provide a competitive regional test, with their physical style and disciplined organisation likely to offer Nigeria a different tactical challenge across both matches.
The Super Falcons, who have dominated African women’s football for decades, will be aiming to use the double-header to fine-tune preparations as they pursue another continental title in Morocco next year.
Dr Bojuwoye, a seasoned medical professional with extensive experience in road running events across Nigeria, is expected to bring added value to the race through his expertise.
As medical director, his responsibilities will include overseeing emergency medical response, coordinating first aid stations along the course, ensuring athlete safety, and supervising medical volunteers and paramedics.
His role is critical in safeguarding the health of both elite and recreational runners, as well as spectators.
In addition to unveiling its new medical director, the organisers also announced five corporate partners for the 2026 edition.
The Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), Petralon Energy, Razzl Drink, Dan Oil, and Carloha Motors have joined as sponsors, reflecting the race’s growing appeal across diverse sectors of the Nigerian economy.
The Okpekpe race, organised by Pamodzi Sports Marketing Company, has steadily risen in prominence since becoming the first road race in Nigeria to earn World Athletics label status in 2015.
It has since advanced to Gold Label Race status, attracting elite athletes from around the world and cementing its reputation as one of Africa’s benchmark road-running competitions.
Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Monday Okpebolo, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the race, citing its role in promoting tourism, community pride, and international recognition for the region.
Race Director Zack Amodu noted that the new partnerships underscore the event’s stature and its impact beyond sport.
We are delighted to welcome DBN, Petralon, Razzl, and Carloha Motors as partners for the 11th edition. Their support, alongside the backing of Edo State, not only strengthens the race but also reinforces its role as a platform for promoting excellence, youth empowerment, and community development,’ Amodu said.
Beyond its sporting significance, the Okpekpe International 10km Road Race has become a catalyst for social, health, and economic benefits.
It encourages fitness and healthy lifestyles, fosters social cohesion by bringing communities together, and generates economic activity through tourism, hospitality, and local commerce.
The event also showcases Edo State’s cultural vibrancy while contributing to Nigeria’s growing reputation in global athletics.
The 11th edition is expected to draw elite athletes, local participants, and international attention, further consolidating Nigeria’s place on the global athletics calendar.
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