By Samuel Akpan
Team Nigeria delivered another dominant display at the African Open Para Powerlifting Championship in Oran, Algeria, claiming five gold, two silver and two bronze medals on Friday.
The performance reinforced Nigeria’s status as one of Africa’s top para powerlifting nations.
Anifat Ganiyu set the tone for Nigeria in the women’s 41kg category with a commanding gold-medal lift.
Ajiboye Rukayat followed with gold in the women’s 50kg, while Nworgu Esther added silver in the same weight class.
Nigeria’s grip on the women’s events continued as Ani Chiamaka powered to gold in the 73kg category.
The standout moment came in the women’s 79kg, where Ferdinard Rita produced a historic showing to win gold and set a new African record.
After securing the gold medal with a dominant 138kg lift, Rita pushed her limits even further by raising the bar to 148kg.
She capped off an unforgettable performance with a record-breaking 154kg lift, bringing the electrified crowd and officials to their feet at the championship.
In the men’s events, Riluwan Idris Sabo added to Nigeria’s tally with a bronze medal in the 88kg category.
Team Nigeria strengthened its continental championship standing on Friday, bringing its medal tally to five gold, two silver, and two bronze, sparking high confidence for the remaining events.
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