Sports
Nigeria’s Youth l Scoop Nine Gold In Ghana
As the dust settles on the 2025 Africa Junior and Youth Weightlifting Championship held in Accra, Ghana, one truth stands clear: a new era is dawning for Nigerian weightlifting, driven by a fearless and hungry crop of young athletes ready to redefine the sport’s future.
Team Nigeria’s performance was nothing short of phenomenal. With nine (9) gold medals bagged-led by the brilliance of Florence Oluwadamilare Olarinoye (15) and Chinaza Cecilia Ezenwa (13), the young lifters showcased a rare blend of strength, skill, and sheer determination that left the continent in awe.
Florence Olarinoye Oluwadamilare, competing in the 58kg category, proved herself a force of nature, claiming six gold medals across the Junior and Youth categories. Her total lift of 157kg (71kg in snatch and 86kg in clean and jerk) wasn’t just impressive, it was a clear message that she is ready to take on the world.
Reflecting on her experience, Florence admitted that stepping onto the international stage for the first time came with mixed emotions. “I felt very good about the competition. It was a good experience for me,” she said, before revealing that the pressure nearly got to her. “It was a challenge initially because I was very nervous competing in an international competition for the first time. When I got to the venue I became scared when I saw my opponents. But once the warm-up began, I decided not to see them as rivals — I treated it like a normal training session, and that gave me confidence.”
She credited her success to the hard work put in back in Lagos with her coaches and the coach she worked with in the national team during the competition, Jumoke Odurinde, and the freedom the team enjoyed under their guidance. “We were free with our coach in the competition, and everything went well for us,” Florence added.
With her newfound confidence, she declared she is ready for bigger stages. “I have got the experience now, and anytime I have the chance to go for another competition, I will be all set.”
Importantly, Florence acknowledged the role of leadership in her rise. “I must commend the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr Ibrahim Abdul Aladi, for giving us the opportunity to come and showcase our talent. He has been very supportive. I also want to appreciate the National Sports Commission for their backing.”
Not far behind was Chinaza Cecilia Ezenwa in the 48kg Youth category, who had a gold medal initially disguised as silver before her lift was rightfully upgraded. She walked away with three gold medals after lifting a total of 135kg (63kg in snatch and 72kg in clean and jerk), further cementing Nigeria’s dominance.
For Chinaza, the medals were a dream fulfilled. “I am very thrilled to win these medals for my country, my family and myself,” she said with visible emotion.
But behind her triumph was a journey of anxiety and faith. “At first I was nervous, and I even had sleepless nights thinking about my opponents. But I prayed to God, and the training I underwent with my coaches helped a lot.”
Her gratitude extended to those who prepared her both at the grassroots and at the national level. “I want to thank my coaches — the ones that tutored me at home and those in the national team. They gave me training that will help me in many ways and equally encouraged me during difficult times.”
Like Florence, Chinaza also paid tribute to the Federation’s leadership. “I also thank the NWF President, Dr Ibrahim Abdul Aladi, for his love and support for weightlifting, and for giving me the opportunity to gain international exposure. I equally thank the National Sports Commission for providing an enabling environment.”
This triumph did not happen in a vacuum. It’s the result of strategic planning, tireless work, and steadfast leadership.
At the helm is Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Aladi, President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF). His visionary leadership, passion for the sport, and unwavering focus on youth development are transforming Nigerian weightlifting from the grassroots up. Under Dr. Aladi’s stewardship, the Federation has not only discovered raw talents but nurtured them into continental champions.
His board members too deserve accolades for their support systems, policy direction, and behind-the-scenes work that has elevated the Federation’s operations and visibility on the global map.
Behind every lift and every medal is the often-overlooked excellence of our coaches. Coach Odurinde Ruth Jumoke and technical official Onubaye Sefiya went beyond the call of duty in Ghana, providing technical guidance, psychological support, and the kind of mentorship young athletes need to thrive under pressure.
The University of Calabar has been officially announced as the host of the 2026 Nigerian University Games Association Games, bringing the country’s most celebrated university sports festival back to Calabar after 35 years.
The announcement was made on Friday by Dr Michael Ajibua, Acting President of the Nigerian University Games Association, accompanied by Mr Yunusa Bazza, Secretary-General, and Prof. Musa Yakasai, Chairman of the technical committee.
The pronouncement was formally presented to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Florence Obi, in her office, with the Local Organising Committee led by Papa Enamhe and other key stakeholders in attendance.
Ahead of the official declaration, the Nigerian University Games Association delegation conducted a comprehensive tour of proposed venues, including the U.J. Esuene Sports Complex, where they inspected the basketball court, swimming pool, table tennis and squash courts, as well as the stadium pitch.
He praised the institution’s readiness, stressing that it already has world-class facilities capable of hosting the Games within six months.
Prof. Yakasai echoed this sentiment, affirming that 90 per cent of the facilities are already in place and emphasising that the University of Calabar is poised to host the best Nigerian University Games Association Games in history, just as it did in 1990.
The delegation also paid a courtesy visit to the Cross River State Commissioner for Sports Development, Hon. Agnes Atsu, who pledged full support on behalf of the state government under Governor Bassey Otu.
She described the development as a welcome innovation aligned with the administration’s people-focused agenda.
In her remarks, an elated Prof. Obi expressed gratitude to the Nigerian University Games Association for entrusting the University of Calabar with the hosting rights.
President Bola Tinubu has thrown Nigeria’s weight behind clean energy and marine innovation as Lagos made history on Friday, hosting Africa’s first E1 electric powerboat race.
Tinubu in a goodwill message on Friday, quoted in a statement by Lagos Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Gboyega Akosile, praised Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the sponsors for bringing the championship to Nigeria, describing it as a milestone for clean energy and marine innovation.
He said Lagos was making history as the first African city to host the E1 championship, joining Monaco, London, Jeddah, and Venice on the global calendar.
“This championship is not merely a thrilling spectacle on water but a statement of intent.
The President linked the event to his administration’s vision for the blue economy, noting that the government is committed to building prosperity around renewable energy, marine tourism, and coastal infrastructure.
“By investing in our coastal infrastructure, marine tourism, and renewable energy, we create jobs, open new opportunities for youth, and strengthen Nigeria’s place in the global community,” he added.
Tinubu, who described himself as a “proud Lagosian,” said the championship affirmed the state’s reputation as a bold and forward-looking city.
He added,”Lagos, the cultural capital of Nigeria, the heartbeat of our economy, and a symbol of our resilience, is the perfect host. Its vibrant waterways and dynamic people embody the spirit of competition, creativity and hospitality.
“I commend Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, his team, and all partners, particularly the E1 and sponsors of this event, for the vision and hard work that made this possible.”
At the opening ceremony held at the Lagos Boat Club in Ikoyi, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu disclosed that Tinubu, currently in Lagos, had expressed excitement about the event and would watch the final race on Sunday from his Ikoyi residence.
The opening day featured a boat regatta led by Sanwo-Olu and state officials, followed by shakedown runs by the competing teams ahead of the weekend races.
Sanwo-Olu said the competition was not only about sports but also a platform to showcase Lagos’ capacity for global events and sustainability.
“For us in Lagos, the E1 Lagos GP, the first to be held in Africa, is a befitting accolade to a sports-loving people and a government that knows the place of sports in human development.
“E1 Lagos GP is more than a race; it is a celebration of Lagos’ dynamism. The Spirit of Lagos. Besides, it is a vivid testimony of our growing influence and energy,” the governor said.
Flying Eagles captain Daniel Bameyi says Nigeria have the quality to win the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile.
The defender expressed optimism despite the team’s rocky start to the tournament, which saw them lose 1-0 to Norway in their opening match.
Aliyu Zubairu’s side bounced back with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Saudi Arabia on Friday, with Bameyi converting a stoppage-time penalty to secure all three points.
The 19-year-old centre-back, who was named Man of the Match for his commanding performance, believes the win can inspire the team to glory.
“I’m happy we got the three points after losing the first game,” Bameyi told Tidesports source.
“Nothing is impossible in football. It’s a tournament that my country hasn’t managed to win yet, and I think we’ve got the quality in our squad to do what it takes.”
Nigeria face Colombia in their final Group F match on Monday, needing a victory to advance to the knockout stage.
The seven-time African champions currently sit third in the group with three points from two games.
Flying Eagles midfielder Daniel Daga, who plays for Norwegian club Molde, echoed his captain’s confidence ahead of the crucial clash.
“Our next game is against Colombia in the last group match. We hope to win again so we can move to the next stage,” Daga said.
The ideal scenario for Nigeria would be defeating Colombia while hoping Norway fail to beat Saudi Arabia, which would see the Flying Eagles top the group.