Nigeria Storms India for Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship

Team Nigeria has landed in Ahmedabad, India, for the 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship — a week-long contest that also doubles as a qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The squad consists of 12 athletes across various weight categories, blending first-time competitors with seasoned lifters eager to strengthen Nigeria’s reputation on the global stage.

Among the notable names are Ruth Asuquo (48kg), who will be making her international debut, and Edidiong Umoafia (67kg), competing in his second Commonwealth Championship. Umoafia previously secured qualification for Birmingham 2022 at the 2021 edition in Uzbekistan and went on to win bronze for Nigeria.

Other lifters representing the country include:

• Omolola Onome (53kg, women)

• Favour Agboro (65kg, men)

• Rafiatu Lawal & Ruth Ayodele (58kg, women)

• Islamiyat Yusuf (69kg, women)

• Adeda Adelaka (79kg, men)

• Sarah Matthew (77kg, women)

• Brenda Uchenna (86kg, women)

• Mary Osijo (+86kg, women)

• Lucky Joseph (+110kg, men)

Akwa Ibom State’s Commissioner for Sports, Paul Bassey, commended the inclusion of Asuquo and Umoafia, describing them as products of the state’s youth development drive under Governor Umo Eno.
“The Governor believes in empowering young people to reach their potential. Ruth and Edidiong are role models already, and we are confident they will qualify for Glasgow,” he said, while urging the team to compete with fairness and dignity.

Nigeria has a rich history in weightlifting, with its athletes winning numerous medals at continental and global levels. The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Bukola Olopade, expressed optimism, noting:
“Our lifters have consistently displayed strength and discipline. I am certain they will once again make the country proud.”

The 2025 Commonwealth Weightlifting Championship takes place in Ahmedabad from August 25 to 30, while the Glasgow Commonwealth Games are scheduled for July 23 to August 2, 2026.