Road to Glasgow: Nigeria Begins Commonwealth Games Weightlifting Preparations

AFOLABI SAHEED OLAWALE

The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) has intensified preparations for the 2026 Commonwealth Games with the invitation of 20 athletes and four coaches to a local training camp in Abuja.

The camp, which opened on Tuesday, June 9th, 2026, at Package B of the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, serves as the first phase of preparations for the Games scheduled to hold in Glasgow, Scotland.

The camp is also expected to provide an opportunity for the nation’s top lifters to sharpen their skills, improve fitness levels, and compete for places in Team Nigeria.

Leading the list of invited athletes are Commonwealth and international competitors drawn from various states across the country.

Akwa Ibom State contributes Nyong Ruth Asuquo, Joseph Umoafia Edidiong, and Sammy Cosmos, while Oyo State is represented by Rafiatu Afolashade Lawal, Taiwo Liadi, Mary Taiwo Osijo, and Fathia Owoyele.

Bayelsa State has the largest contingent with Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele, Favour Omovigho Agboro, Adedapo Adeleke Opadeji, Lucky Joseph, Emmanuela Edim, and Abayomi Adeyemi making the list.

Lagos State athletes include Didih Onome Omolola and Goodnews Obodo, while Osun State’s Yusuf Islamiyat, Edo State’s Esther Adebola Adebayo and Goodnews Jacob, Kaduna State’s Precious Nnenna Asadu, and FCT Abuja’s Marvelous Chidirim Ibe complete the roster.

The federation also invited four experienced coaches to oversee the athletes’ development during the camping exercise. They are Onubaye Sefiya Ahuoiza who also doubles as the NWF Technical Director, Ruth Odunrinde, Luke Ibeh, and Young Peter Njoku.

Speaking on the commencement of the camp, President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr. Ibrahim Abdul, expressed confidence in the country’s preparations and the quality of athletes invited to camp.

“This camp marks the beginning of our deliberate preparations towards the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. We have assembled some of the country’s finest weightlifters and coaches, and our objective is to build a highly competitive team capable of winning medals for Nigeria,” Dr Abdul told NWF Media.

The federation is committed to providing the athletes with the right environment and support needed to achieve success on the international stage,” he added.

The NWF Boss believes the camp will play a crucial role in building a formidable team capable of challenging for medals at the Commonwealth Games.

The athletes are expected to undergo intensive technical, tactical, and strength-conditioning programmes designed to enhance performance and prepare them for the rigours of international competition.

With Nigeria traditionally regarded as one of Africa’s strongest weightlifting nations, expectations are high that the camp will help produce a team capable of maintaining the country’s proud record on the Commonwealth stage in Glasgow 2026.