Nigeria has achieved its best-ever performance at the Islamic Solidarity Games, concluding the event with a total of 30 medals, including 11 gold, 12 silver, and 7 bronze, to finish eighth overall.
The country’s athletes excelled in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, securing medals in all seven sports they participated in, a testament to the National Sports Commission’s (NSC) focused approach to sports development.
Turkey topped the medal standings, while Nigeria’s performance marks its second-best showing in Africa, underscoring its growing presence in global multi-sport events.
The NSC had backed over 40 sports federations to participate in international competitions this year, with notable medal wins in taekwondo, swimming, cricket, para-powerlifting, and para-badminton, among others.
“We made a deliberate decision to bring only podium prospects to Riyadh, and today, that decision has paid off,” said Bukola Olopade, Director General of the NSC, praising the team’s exceptional performance.
“It is not a coincidence that Nigeria won medals in every sport we participated in at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games. This achievement reflects the new direction we have taken in sports development.”
Weightlifting led Nigeria’s charge with 13 medals (6 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze), followed by athletics with 9 medals (2 gold, 4 silver, 3 bronze). Wrestling contributed 4 medals (2 gold, 2 silver), while para-powerlifting, boxing, and para-athletics added 1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 silver respectively.
Taekwondo rounded off the tally with 1 bronze medal.
“This is the new benchmark at the National Sports Commission, guiding our preparations for upcoming competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and ultimately, the Olympics,” Olopade added.
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