In Nigerian para powerlifters have now won seven gold medals at the Para Powerlifting World Cup in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, showcasing impressive strength and skill. PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Two gold medals were secured on Wednesday. Two more were won on Thursday, and on Saturday, three additional gold medals were added to the collection.
All seven gold medal winners have qualified for the Para Olympic Games in Paris, France later this year.
Bose Bejide claimed Nigeria’s first gold on Wednesday in the women’s -50kg category, displaying exceptional talent and determination.
Esther Nworgu also contributed to Nigeria’s success by winning the gold medal in the women’s -41kg category, an improvement from her silver in the Dubai 2023 World Cup.
Thomas Kure dominated the competition in the men’s -65kg weight class on Thursday, while Roland Ezuruike secured Nigeria’s fourth gold medal in the -54kg category.
Gift Mark continued the winning streak on Saturday, claiming a gold medal in the women’s -61kg weight class.
Bose Omolayo and captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo both won gold medals in the women’s -79kg and -86kg weight classes, showcasing their strength and skill.
Team captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo expressed confidence that the team will continue to excel in upcoming events, anticipating more medals to come.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo, the team captain, expressed pride in the lifters, emphasizing that their hard work is paying off.
She also remarked that there are more events to compete in and believes that more medals are within reach.
Reigning world champions Onyinyechi Mark (women’s -61kg) and Kafila Almaruf (women’s -73kg) are expected to contribute to Nigeria’s gold medal tally before the end of the six-day competition.
