Nigerian weightlifter Rafiatu Lawal delivered an outstanding performance at the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh. She secured three gold medals in the women’s 58kg category, giving Nigeria a strong start.

Lawal dominated the competition with a 98kg snatch lift and 122kg clean-and-jerk. Her total of 220kg placed her well ahead of Uzbekistan’s Niogora Abdullaeva (silver) and Egypt’s Noura Essam (bronze).

This triumph adds to Lawal’s impressive career achievements. Last month, she made history at the World Championships by becoming the first Nigerian to win three silver medals in one event.

The 28-year-old has consistently excelled in international competitions. She previously won gold at the 2019 and 2023 African Games. Lawal also claimed Commonwealth Games gold in 2022.

The Islamic Solidarity Games feature over 3,000 athletes from 57 nations. Events span 23 sports across Riyadh venues from November 7-21.

Team Nigeria includes 46 members competing in seven disciplines. These are athletics, para-athletics, para powerlifting, weightlifting, wrestling, boxing, and taekwondo.

Adeshina Advances to Boxing Final

Nigerian boxer Zainab Adeshina secured her place in the women’s 51kg final. She defeated Algeria’s Fatiha Mansouri 4-1 in a tense semi-final at The Promenade, Art Tower.

Adeshina overcame a slow start with strong final-round performance. She displayed sharper movement and more accurate punches to claim victory.

Mansouri received two warnings from the referee during the bout. These resulted in point deductions that helped seal Adeshina’s win.

Four of five judges awarded the bout to the Nigerian athlete. Adeshina will face Tunisia’s Rabia Topuz in Monday’s gold medal match.

The 21-year-old is part of Nigeria’s two-member boxing team. Coach Abayomi Oyeleye leads the squad alongside welterweight Ridwan Raheem.