Nigeria’s impressive form at the ongoing Islamic Games in Riyadh shows no signs of slowing down, with weightlifter Sarah Matthew adding to the country’s growing collection of medals on Tuesday.
Sarah Matthew produced a stunning performance in the women’s 77kg category, winning gold in the snatch after lifting 116kg and picking up silver in the clean and jerk with a lift of 129kg. Her combined total of 245kg earned her another silver overall, finishing behind Egypt’s Sara Ahmed, who dominated the event with 260kg to take two gold medals.
Her success pushed Nigeria’s medal count to 14 after eight days of competition. The tally now includes six gold, five silver and three bronze medals, placing the country fifth on the overall table. Thirteen of those medals have come from weightlifting, with the remaining one from boxing.
Matthew joins an impressive list of Nigerian lifters who have shone in Riyadh. Rafiatu Lawal swept all three gold medals in the women’s 58kg category, while Edidiong Umoafia claimed a gold, a silver and a bronze in the men’s 71kg division. Islamiyat Yusuf also picked up a gold medal in the women’s 69kg snatch, and Ayodele added one silver and two bronzes in the 63kg class.
In boxing, Zainab Adeshina secured Nigeria’s only medal so far, taking silver in the women’s 57kg event on Monday after a spirited run to the final.
With weightlifting and boxing now concluded, Nigeria’s focus turns to other events. Athletics, wrestling, taekwondo, para athletics and para powerlifting are all set to take centre stage in the coming days.
Taekwondo kicks off on Saturday with world championship medallist and Africa’s top-ranked fighter, Elizabeth Anyanacho, carrying Nigeria’s hopes for another podium finish. Athletics and para athletics will begin on November 17, with a 16-member Nigerian contingent expected to leave the country on November 13.
Wrestling events will start on Tuesday, featuring Esther Kolawole, Christianah Ogunsanya, Damola Ojo and Miesinnei Genesis, all aiming to extend Nigeria’s winning momentum.
The Games will end on November 21 with para powerlifting, where Nigeria’s Paralympic champions Roland Ezeruike, Alice Owolabi-Oluwafemiayo and Onyinyechi Mark are set to compete. The powerlifters are currently in camp at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja, fine-tuning their preparations.
