Nigeria’s para powerlifters have earned national praise following their spectacular outing at the 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt, where they cemented their place among the global elite.
The Nigerian contingent finished second overall on the medals table, collecting a total of 20 medals — 8 gold, 7 silver, and 5 bronze — in a commanding display of strength and determination. China narrowly edged Nigeria to claim the top position with 13 gold medals among their 21 total.
The Director General of the Nigeria Sports Commission (NSC), Hon. Bukola Olopade, hailed the athletes for their exceptional performance and unwavering spirit.
“Our para powerlifters have once again proven Nigeria’s dominance in the sport. Their courage, discipline, and consistency reflect the resilient character of our nation. We at the NSC are proud of their achievements and remain fully committed to supporting them,” he said.
One of the defining moments of the championship came from Nigeria’s powerhouse Folashade Oluwafemiayo, who broke her own world record to clinch gold in the women’s over 86kg category.
The 40-year-old lifted 168kg, surpassing her previous record of 167kg set at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. The monumental lift not only earned her a fourth world title but also reaffirmed her dominance as one of the greatest para powerlifters of all time.
Behind her, China’s Cui Zhe claimed silver, while Iran’s Nikoo Roozbahani secured the bronze medal.
Oluwafemiayo, who boasts two Paralympic gold medals, has now won world titles across four continents — Mexico City (2017), Nur-Sultan (2019), Tbilisi (2021), and Cairo (2025) — a testament to her longevity and consistency in the sport.
Meanwhile, the President of the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria, Mr. Sunday Odebode, expressed gratitude to the NSC leadership for its continuous investment in para sports.
“This victory represents a new dawn for para athletics in Nigeria. The athletes are motivated, the structure is improving, and there’s renewed optimism in the camp. We deeply appreciate the dedication of NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko and DG Bukola Olopade for their inspiring leadership,” Odebode said.
The 11th edition of the global event, held between October 9 and 18, featured the Rookie & Next Gen series alongside the Elite Championships, marking the first time the competition was hosted on African soil — a milestone moment for the continent.
Following their success in Cairo, Nigeria’s para athletes are turning their attention to the upcoming West African Para Soccer Tournament in Lagos, as the NSC continues to prioritize inclusion and excellence across all sporting disciplines.
Reaffirming the commission’s commitment, Olopade emphasized that the NSC will “continue to champion a system that provides equal recognition and resources for athletes with disabilities,” ensuring that their achievements remain a source of pride for the entire nation.
