Nigeria continues to shine at the Islamic Games in Riyadh. Weightlifter Sarah Matthew expanded the country’s medal collection on Tuesday with an outstanding performance.
Matthew’s Stellar Weightlifting Feats
Matthew dominated the women’s 77kg category. She claimed gold in the snatch by lifting 116kg. She later earned silver in the clean and jerk with 129kg. Her combined 245kg total secured another silver overall.
Egypt’s Sara Ahmed outperformed Matthew to win two golds. Ahmed lifted 260kg total.
Nigeria’s Medal Breakdown
Matthew’s success brings Nigeria’s total to 14 medals. This includes six gold, five silver, and three bronze. After eight days, Nigeria ranks fifth overall.
Weightlifting delivered 13 medals. Boxing contributed one. Notable performers include Rafiatu Lawal with three golds in 58kg. Edidiong Umoafia won multiple medals in men’s 71kg.
Zainab Adeshina secured Nigeria’s boxing medal. She took silver in women’s 57kg on Monday.
Upcoming Events for Team Nigeria
With weightlifting and boxing finished, Nigeria turns to other sports. Athletics, wrestling, and taekwondo begin soon. Para athletics and para powerlifting also start shortly.
Taekwondo opens Saturday. Elizabeth Anyanacho leads Nigeria’s hopes. Athletics events commence November 17. A 16-member Nigerian team departs November 13.
Wrestling starts Tuesday with Esther Kolawole and others competing. Para powerlifting concludes the Games on November 21. Paralympic champions Roland Ezeruike and Alice Owolabi-Oluwafemiayo will represent Nigeria.
Team Nigeria continues training at Abuja’s Moshood Abiola Stadium. Athletes aim to extend the nation’s medal success.
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