The president of the NWF, thumbs the historical feat of Rafiatu Lawal in Norway

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has congratulated Rafiatu Folashade Lawal for his historical performance in the IWF 2025 World Championship in Forde, Norway, where he won three silver medals in the female 58 kg category, becoming the first Nigerian to achieve such a feat in the global stage.

Lawal lifted 101 kg at the start, 128 kg in cleaning and idiot, and recorded a total of 229 kg, finishing the second behind Kim Il-Gyong of North Korea, who claimed three gold medals with a total world record of 236 kg, while the Kuo-Chun Olympic champion of Taipei of China took two bronze with 224k Ulreanor, the United States Olympic champion. Bronze medal at starting with a 98 kg elevator

His excellent performance adds to his impressive history, after having won gold medals in the 2019 African games in Rabat, the Games of the Commonwealth 2022 in Birmingham and the African games of 2023 in ACCRA.

Reacting to La Vazaña, the president of the Federation of Weight Lifting of Nigeria, Ibrahim Abdul Aladi, expressed an immense pride and joy for the achievement of the law, describing it as a reflection of his arduous work, discipline and commitment to excellence.

“Rafiatu has demonstrated once again that Nigerian weightls can remain high on the world stage. He has immersed himself in serious training and preparation to ensure that he delivers an action that makes the nation proud. His achievement in Norway is the result of resilience, approach and the relentless search for greatness,” said Aladi.

The president of the NWF also appreciated the National Sports Commission and the members of the NWF Board for its continuous support and contributions to the growth of weightlifting in Nigeria.

“We are committed to ensuring that our athletes continue to attend international competitions to stay competitive and ensure that Nigeria remains a strong force in world weightlifting,” he added.

Lawal’s achievement follows the remarkable performance of Ruth Imoleyo Ayodele, who previously had the best Nigeria record in the IWF World Championship. Ayodele competing in the 64 kg female weight class won two silver and one bronze medals in the IWF 2023 World Championship in Saudi Arabia, lifting 100 kg in the snatch, 122 kg in cleaning and the moron and 222 kg in total, a record that Lawal has now reached.

Aladi also asked corporate organizations and well -intentioned people who support the Federation’s programs and initiatives, emphasizing that adequate financing is vital to maintain the impulse and prepare athletes for future competitions, including the Commonwealth games and the Olympic Games.

“We appeal to the private sector to be associated with us to ensure that our lifters continue to represent Nigeria with pride. With adequate support, we can produce more world champions such as Rafiatu Lawal,” Aladi concluded.

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