Team Nigeria has opened its campaign at the African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Oran, Algeria, on an impressive note, securing three medals at the end of Day Two of the competition.
Nigeria’s Ogundolie Tolulope delivered a remarkable performance in the women’s 45kg category, clinching the gold medal after displaying exceptional strength, determination, and technical brilliance against a highly competitive field.
In the women’s 55kg category, Oyema Esther also impressed with a composed and resilient display to win the silver medal for Team Nigeria, further reinforcing the country’s growing dominance in para-powerlifting across Africa.
The men’s 54kg event produced another podium finish for Nigeria, as Ezuruike Roland battled courageously to secure the bronze medal after a spirited performance throughout the contest.
Reacting to the early success, the Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, commended the athletes for representing the country with pride and excellence at the continental championship.
Olopade described the performances of the Nigerian athletes as a positive reflection of the renewed energy and commitment currently driving sports development in the country. He noted that the fighting spirit shown by the team in Algeria proves that Nigerian para-athletes remain among the best on the continent.
The NSC boss also stated that the strong start by Team Nigeria reflects the Federal Government’s continued investment in sports development and its determination to create more opportunities for Nigerian athletes to excel on the global stage.
He urged the athletes to remain focused, disciplined, and determined as the competition progresses, expressing confidence that Team Nigeria would achieve even greater success before the end of the championship. Team Nigeria is participating in the competition with a contingent of 13 athletes competing against representatives from over 23 countries in Oran from May 18 to May 25.
