RismadarVoice Reporters, May 16, 2026
Nigerian weightlifters, Edidiong Umoafia and Ruth Nyong have secured qualification for the forthcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, following outstanding performances at the African Senior Weightlifting Championships in Ismailia, Egypt.
Edidiong booked his place at the competition after winning one gold medal and two silver medals in the men’s 71kg category. The 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medallist claimed gold in the snatch event with a lift of 141kg and later added two silver medals in the clean and jerk category, finishing with an overall total lift of 311kg.
Ruth Nyong had earlier earned a qualification after an impressive display in the women’s 48kg category, where she won three gold medals to strengthen Nigeria’s campaign at the continental competition.
Reacting to the development, Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Sports, Elder Paul Bassey, congratulated the athletes and commended Team Nigeria for their achievements.
He also commended the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno for sustained support towards sports development, noting that investment in grassroots programmes was beginning to produce positive results for young talents across the state.
According to him, great potential and talents are always discovered at the grassroots level while encouraging participants to make good use of the opportunity.
