NWF Chief Attributes Mauritius Success to Federal Government Support.
NWF President Credits Tinubu’s Strategic Leadership for Nigeria’s Weightlifting Success
President of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Ibrahim Abdul, has attributed Nigeria’s outstanding performance at the African Senior Weightlifting Championship to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s strategic efforts in revitalizing the nation’s sports sector. According to Abdul, Tinubu’s deliberate appointment of seasoned technocrats to lead the National Sports Commission (NSC) has laid the groundwork for recent sporting achievements.
Speaking in Moka, Mauritius—where the championship is ongoing—Abdul praised the administration’s vision. As of the latest update from the NSC on Friday, Nigeria tops the medal table with 10 gold, four silver, and one bronze medal.
Ruth Ayodele was a standout performer on Thursday evening, adding three gold medals to Nigeria’s tally and asserting her dominance in her weight class.
“President Tinubu was very intentional in his choices for the NSC,” Abdul noted. “By appointing proven professionals like Shehu Dikko and Bukola Olopade, he established a solid foundation for long-term success in Nigerian sports.”
Shehu Dikko, a former Chairman of the League Management Company with prior roles at FIFA and CAF, has been instrumental in driving reforms across African and global sports landscapes. His expertise is now being channeled into Nigeria’s sports development efforts through the Commission.
Commenting further on Nigeria’s performance in Mauritius, Abdul emphasized the importance of the support provided by the NSC. “This success is not a coincidence,” he said. “The NSC gave us everything we needed. When the DG offered thousands of dollars in incentives, joined the athletes for meals, and shared moments with them—it sent a powerful message. The athletes felt valued, seen, and motivated. Today, they competed like warriors, giving everything for the country. That’s the new spirit this administration has brought into Nigerian sports.”
