Nigeria wins eight weightlifting gold medals in Angola

Nigeria dominated the opening day of weightlifting competition at the 4th African Youth Games in Angola, claiming eight gold medals and one silver on Thursday, The PUNCH reports.

Favour Cornelius led the charge in the 44kg category with an outstanding performance, winning three gold medals after lifting 50kg in the snatch, 64kg in the clean and jerk, and finishing with a total of 114kg.

In the 48kg division, Esther Ezenwa delivered another triple-gold display for Nigeria, recording 63kg in the snatch, 77kg in the clean and jerk, and posting a combined total of 140kg to top the category.

Chinaza Ezenwa continued Nigeria’s golden run in the 53kg category, winning two gold medals and one silver. She lifted 65kg in the snatch to claim silver before responding strongly with gold in the clean and jerk at 83kg and gold in the total with an impressive 148kg.

The weightlifting success adds to Nigeria’s impressive performance at the Games, which runs from December 10 to December 20.

Team Nigeria finished second overall on the athletics medals table with 11 medals—six gold and five silver. Gold medals were won by Rosemary Nwankwo in the girls’ 100m, Tejirih Ugoh in the girls’ 200m, Hafsoh Majekodunmi in the girls’ 400m, and Timothy Ugherakpoteni in the boys’ triple jump.

Nigeria also claimed gold in both the girls’ and boys’ medley relay events, while Matthew Fabunmi and Ojo Favour secured victory in the mixed table tennis final.

Silver medals came through Akolo Emmanuel in the boys’ 100m, David Udoh in the boys’ 400m, Godswill Nkemakolam in the long jump, Gift Gowon in the 400m hurdles, and Perfect Faye in the boys’ 200m.

Beyond the track, Nigeria secured gold in women’s beach volleyball, won multiple medals in badminton, added a bronze medal in golf through Josephine Clement Benjamin, and claimed bronze in swimming through Aidan Abili in the 50m backstroke.

The National Sports Commission said the results show encouraging depth across sports and age groups, with attention remaining on preparation, athlete welfare and steady development as these athletes progress to higher levels under the Renewed Hope Initiative for Nigeria’s Sports Economy.