Nigeria’s Oluwafemiayo breaks para-powerlifting record, wins gold medal
Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo has just broken her World Record in the women’s over 86kg Para-Powerlifting, becoming the first Para-athlete in history to lift 166kg.
Oluwafemiayo, Team Nigeria’s captain, set a world record by becoming the first para-powerlifter to lift 167kg at the Games. China’s Deng Xuemei secured the silver medal with a 155kg lift, while Egypt’s Nadia Ali earned the bronze after lifting 145kg.
Her win comes on the heels of the Super Eagles’s AFCON qualifier match against Benin Republic.
They defeated their opponents 3-0 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday.
Goals by Amina Bello, Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Flourish Sabastine and substitute Joy Igbokwe against Venezuela in Cali on Saturday, also took two-time silver medallists Nigeria to the Round of 16 of the ongoing FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
In a related move, Flora Ugwunwa claimed a silver medal in the Women’s Javelin F54 category with a remarkable throw of 19.26 meters, finishing 2nd in a highly competitive field.
Bose Omolayo in the Women’s 79kg Para Powerlifting category, lifted an impressive 145kg to secure the silver medal for Nigeria.
Isau Ogunkunle earned a bronze medal in the Men’s Singles Class 4 Para Table Tennis event. Ogunkunle became the first Nigerian athlete to win an individual medal in Para Table Tennis since the Sydney 2000 Games.
Reacting to their achievements earlier, Senator Enoh said, “We are immensely proud of our Team Nigeria Paralympic athletes. Bose Omolayo, Flora Ugwunwa, and Isau Ogunkunle have brought us immense pride and joy with their incredible performances on the global stage. Their dedication, resilience, and passion embody the true spirit of Nigeria, and they continue to inspire millions with their remarkable achievements.”
The Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting para-sports and ensuring that Nigerian athletes receive the backing they need to succeed on the international stage.
“Our champions have shown once again that disability is not a limitation. As a nation, we remain committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all athletes, regardless of ability, can thrive and make us proud on the global stage.”
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