NWF boss hails Tinubu, NSC on training grants for elite athletes
Dr. Ibrahim Aladi Abdul, President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Sports Commission (NSC) following the release
Dr. Ibrahim Aladi Abdul, President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), has expressed profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and the National Sports Commission (NSC) following the release of critical training grants for five elite Nigerian weightlifters.
Dr. Abdul described the intervention as a testament to "purposeful leadership," praising the synergy between President Tinubu’s vision and the executive actions of NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and Director General Bukola Olopade.
The grants support a core group of athletes targeted for the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics including Rafiatu Folashade Lawal; Onome Didih; Sarah Matthew; Edidiong Umoafia and Joy Benedict
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"These grants are more than financial aid; they are a statement of belief in our athletes’ potential to dominate the world stage," Dr. Abdul stated.
The NWF is now shifting focus to the African Senior Weightlifting Championship this May in Ismaili, Egypt. This event serves as the final qualifier for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Scotland.
While three lifters-Sarah Matthew, Islamiyat Yusuf and Onome Didih—have already secured their spots, Dr. Abdul emphasized that the Egypt championship is vital to increasing Nigeria’s athlete quota and fielding a formidable team in Edinburgh.
In a move to bolster regional talent, the NWF also confirmed it will deploy technical officials and coaches to the Edo 2026 Niger Delta Games, where weightlifting remains a centre piece among the 16 featured sports.
