Nigeria’s weightlifting team has arrived in Aberdeen, Scotland, to begin the final phase of preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, with the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) expressing confidence that the athletes will deliver a strong performance in Glasgow.
The first batch of the delegation landed safely on Saturday and will immediately commence training ahead of the Games, which will take place from July 23 to August 2 in Scotland.
The delegation is led by the NWF Technical Director, Sefiya Onubaye, who said the overseas training camp would allow the athletes to adapt to the competition environment and equipment before the Games.
“We thank God for bringing us safely to Aberdeen. The athletes are in good spirits and we will begin training almost immediately,” Onubaye told NWF Media.
“This final camping phase is very important because it gives our lifters the opportunity to get used to the equipment and training conditions they will compete with at the Commonwealth Games. Our focus is to ensure every athlete is fully prepared and ready to perform at their best.”
The first batch comprises Didih Onome (women’s 53kg), Rafiat Lawal (women’s 58kg), Osijo Taiwo (women’s 86kg), Favour Agboro (men’s 65kg) and Edidiong Umoafia Joseph (men’s 71kg), alongside Onubaye.
They will be joined in Aberdeen by Ruth Nyong Asuquo (women’s 48kg), Ruth Ayodele (women’s 63kg), Islamiyat Yusuf (women’s 69kg), Opadeji Adedapo (men’s 79kg) and coach Luke Ibe, completing Nigeria’s nine-athlete, two-coach weightlifting squad for the Games.
NWF President, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, expressed optimism that the lifters would make the country proud, citing the successful completion of their first phase of camping in Abuja before departing for Scotland.
“I am confident that our weightlifters will represent Nigeria with distinction at the Commonwealth Games. They have worked extremely hard during the Abuja camping programme, and this overseas training camp will further sharpen their readiness for the competition,” Abdul said.
He also praised the National Sports Commission (NSC) for supporting the team’s preparations.
“We sincerely appreciate the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for providing the enabling environment that made both the closed camping in Abuja and this foreign training tour possible.
“Their support has ensured our athletes have access to modern training facilities and equipment, which will greatly enhance their preparations for the Games,” he added.
The Nigerian weightlifters concluded their local training camp in Abuja on July 1 before travelling to Scotland, where they will fine-tune preparations as they target another successful outing on the international stage.
