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By Peter Akinbo
In a remarkable display of strength and skill, Nigerian para powerlifters have clinched four gold medals at the ongoing Para Powerlifting World Cup in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Two gold medals were won on Wednesday and on Thursday, two other para-athletes doubled the tally.
Bose Bejide won Nigeria’s first on the opening day of the competition on Wednesday as she emerged victorious in the women’s -50kg category, showcasing her exceptional talent and determination to secure the gold medal.
Adding to Nigeria’s success, Esther Nworgu demonstrated her prowess in the women’s -41kg category, claiming the gold medal amid stiff competition. It is an upgrade to the silver Nworgu won at the Dubai 2023 World Cup.
In the men’s category on Thursday, Thomas Kure dominated the competition in the -65kg weight class winning Nigeria’s third gold, while Roland Ezuruike showcased his strength and technique to secure the country’s fourth gold medal in the -54kg category.
Team captain Folashade Oluwafemiayo told PUNCH Sports Extra that there is still more to come.
“As the captain of the team, I am very proud of all of them (lifters) because this is what we worked for and we are reaping the rewards now,” she said.
“We are not done yet as there are still more events to compete in, and I believe more medals are still coming.”
Reigning world champions Onyinyechi Mark (women’s -61kg) and Kafila Almaruf (women’s -73kg) are expected to add to Nigeria’s gold haul before the end of the six-day tourney.
Other gold medal hopefuls include Paralympic medallists Oluwafemiayo (women’s -86kg), Bose Omolayo (women’s -79kg) and Loveline Obiji (women’s -86kg).