Team Nigeria Dominates Solidarity Games with Gold in Powerlifting, Relay, and Wrestling

Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo once again demonstrated her supremacy in para powerlifting, securing a commanding victory in the women’s heavyweight category at the 6th Solidarity Games in Riyadh. Her performance put the nation firmly atop the medal standings, with Uzbekistan’s Kudratoy Toshpulatova taking silver and Jordan’s Asma Issa claiming bronze.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The triumph added to a week of outstanding achievements for Team Nigeria, whose athletes have consistently showcased skill, determination, and growing confidence. On the athletics track, the Mixed 4x400m relay team delivered a flawless performance, crossing the finish line in 3:16.27 to claim gold ahead of Bahrain and Turkey. Gafari Badmus started strongly, followed by Anita Enaruna’s steady run, Ezekiel Asuquo’s pace-setting leg, and Patience George’s decisive anchor leg.

Success also came on the wrestling mat, where Esther Kolawole captured gold in the women’s 62kg freestyle by defeating Azerbaijan’s Ruzanna Mammadova. In the 76kg freestyle, Damola Ojo earned silver after a competitive bout against Kyrgyzstan’s Aiperi Kyzy.

With the latest victories, Nigeria’s medal count at the Games has risen to 29, including 10 golds, 12 silvers, and seven bronze medals.

The Director General of the National Sports Commission, Hon. Bukola Olopade, emphasized that the success was the result of deliberate planning. “We ensured that only podium contenders represented Nigeria in Riyadh, and the results speak for themselves,” he stated, highlighting that this focused approach will guide preparations for upcoming competitions, including the Commonwealth Games and the Olympics.