NSC hails weightlifter Lawal, federation for performance at IWF World Championships
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has commended Nigeria’s weightlifting sensation, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, for her historic performance at the 2025 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in Forde, Norway.
On Saturday, October 4, Lawal made history as the first Nigerian to win three silver medals at the World Championships, competing in the fiercely contested women’s 58kg category.
She lifted 101kg in the snatch and 128kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with a total of 229kg to secure second place globally. North Korea’s Kim Il-Gyong clinched gold with a world record total of 236kg, while Olympic champion Kuo Hsing-chun of Chinese Taipei took bronze with 224kg.
Lawal’s achievement adds to her impressive record, which includes gold medals at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, the 2023 African Games in Accra, and the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Congratulating the champion, NSC Chairman Mallam Shehu Dikko described Lawal’s performance as a proud moment for Nigeria and a testament to dedication, resilience, and hard work.
“Rafiatu Lawal’s performance in Norway is a proud moment for Nigeria and a shining example of what dedication and hard work can achieve. Her three silver medals not only highlight her consistency since the 2019 African Games but also reflect the hard work of the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation. We will continue to support our athletes and federations, as every finish line is the beginning of a new race,” Dikko said.
In his remarks, NSC Director-General Hon. Bukola Olopade praised Lawal and the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation for the milestone.
“We are proud of Rafiatu and the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation for this outstanding achievement. She is not only inspiring young girls but also lifting the spirit of our nation, flying our flag high at the World Championships. Our eyes are set on the Olympics and other international competitions — with hard work, nothing is impossible,” Olopade stated.
The NSC also lauded the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation for its tireless efforts in nurturing and supporting athletes to achieve global recognition.
