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.