Nigeria has proudly opened its medal account at the ongoing 2025 Africa Weightlifting Youth/Junior Championship in Accra, Ghana, as rising star Ezenwa Chinaza Cecilia delivered an exceptional performance to clinch two gold and one silver medal in the 48kg youth category on Monday, August 18th, 2025.
Competing against the continent’s best young lifters, Chinaza Cecilia showcased remarkable strength, composure, and technical brilliance to emerge as one of the standout athletes of the competition so far.
Her victory marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to develop youth talent in weightlifting and solidifies her place as a future star for the national team.
The championship, organized by the Weightlifting Federation of Africa (WFA) in partnership with the Ghana Weightlifting Federation, began on August 15th and will climax on the 26th of the same month in Accra, Ghana.
Nigeria is proudly represented at the competition by two athletes: Ezenwa Chinaza Cecilia (48kg youth) and Florence Oluwadamilare Olarinoye (58kg youth), who were accompanied by Coach Odurinde Ruth Jumoke and Technical Official Onubaye Sefiya.
While Chinaza has already delivered Nigeria’s first set of medals, attention now turns to Florence Olarinoye, who is set to compete in her 58kg weight category on Tuesday, August 19th. Florence, another promising young athlete, is expected to build on the momentum and add to Nigeria’s medal tally.
It is important to recognize the critical role played by Dr. Ibrahim Abdul Aladi, the President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), who saw to it that the young lifters could participate in this continental event.
This commendable gesture is a move that underscores his unwavering commitment to grassroots development and international exposure for young Nigerian athletes.
Dr. Aladi, who was recently re-elected for a second term as President of the NWF, has continued to demonstrate visionary leadership, making it a priority to invest in the future of Nigerian weightlifting. His support has not only given these athletes the opportunity to compete on an international stage but has also inspired confidence in the next generation of lifters.
According to an official communication from Dorathy Benard Okpo, Assistant Secretary of the NWF, arrangements for Nigeria’s participation were made promptly upon invitation from the WFA, ensuring seamless representation at the championship.
With Chinaza Cecilia’s brilliant start and Florence Olarinoye’s competition still ahead, Team Nigeria is poised for a successful outing in Accra. The NWF and all sports-loving Nigerians will be watching closely as these young lifters continue to make the nation proud.
By Tunde Liadi
Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) Media
