Nigerian Para-lifters once again showcased their dominance in para powerlifting with a sensational performance at the 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships, where they claimed gold, silver, and bronze medals across several categories. The event, which runs from October 9 to 18 in Cairo, Egypt, marks a historic milestone, the first time the World Championships have been hosted on African soil.
For a nation that has consistently stood tall in the sport, Nigeria’s showing in Cairo not only reaffirmed its global status but also showcased the depth of talent and determination within its para powerlifting program.
Rita Ferdinand Shines Bright with Record-Breaking Gold
The highlight of the opening days came from Rita Ferdinand, who stunned spectators and rivals alike by winning gold in the women’s up to 79 kg class. Competing against some of the sport’s biggest names, Ferdinand lifted 153 kg to clinch the title, setting a new African record and surpassing the expectations of even her own coaching team.
Her performance was particularly remarkable as she defeated China’s reigning Paralympic champion, Miaoyu Han, in a tightly contested final. Ferdinand’s final lift, completed with unparalleled control and confidence, sent the Nigerian camp into jubilation. The victory not only secured her a world title but also placed her among the early favorites for the 2026 Paris Paralympic Games.
Speaking after her win, Ferdinand described the achievement as a dream come true.
“This gold means everything to me and to Nigeria. It shows what we can do with focus, faith, and hard work,” she said. “To win against a Paralympic champion is not easy, but I believed in my preparation.”
Esther Nworgu Returns to Glory with a Commanding Performance
Nigeria’s medal run didn’t stop there. On the second day of the competition, Esther Nworgu, one of the nation’s most decorated para-lifters, returned to her familiar position atop the podium. Competing in the women’s up to 55 kg category, Nworgu lifted 125 kg to claim gold, her first world title in over a decade.
Nworgu’s victory was symbolic of resilience. After years of battling injuries and a period of suspension that temporarily derailed her career, her comeback has been nothing short of inspirational. Her technique and composure under pressure reminded everyone why she remains one of the most respected figures in the sport.
“I’m grateful to God and to Nigeria,” Nworgu said with tears of joy. “It’s been a long road back, but I never stopped believing. This gold is not just for me, it’s for every Nigerian athlete who has faced challenges and refused to give up.”
Her victory drew applause from the Nigerian contingent, officials from the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation (NPPF), and even rival teams, who acknowledged her as a true legend of the sport.
Double Podium Finish: Esther Nworgu and Rukayat Ajiboye Deliver Silver and Bronze
The medals continued to roll in for Nigeria as Esther Nworgu and Rukayat Opeyemi Ajiboye completed a brilliant silver-bronze double in the women’s up to 50 kg class.
Nworgu lifted 120 kg to secure silver, narrowly missing out on gold after an unsuccessful final attempt at 125 kg. Her precision and control during the earlier rounds, however, underlined her consistency and championship potential.
Ajiboye, meanwhile, showed her trademark grit to lift 115 kg, clinching bronze and ensuring Nigeria’s flag was represented twice on the podium.
“It’s a proud day for our team,” Nworgu said after the medal ceremony. “We train together, we push each other, and standing here with Rukayat makes it even more special.”
The result underlined Nigeria’s incredible depth in the women’s division, where the country has long set the benchmark internationally.
Nigeria’s Medal Tally and Early Dominance
By the end of the second day of competition, Nigeria had already secured two golds, one silver, and one bronze, ranking among the top nations at the championships. The early surge not only boosted morale within the camp but also positioned the country as one of the front-runners in the overall standings.
The Nigerian contingent is composed of 12 athletes, a mix of experienced lifters and emerging talents, competing across different weight categories for both men and women. With several events still to come, expectations are high that the medal haul will grow further before the championships conclude.
Historic Championship for Africa
The 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo carry immense significance, as it is the first time the global competition is being hosted on the African continent. For countries like Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana, it represents both a competitive and symbolic victory, as African athletes now have the chance to compete for world titles closer to home.
Organizers praised Nigeria’s early success as a sign of Africa’s growing influence in para sports. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) commended the “electric atmosphere” in Cairo and hailed African nations for “raising the standards of global competition.”
For Nigeria, the event has provided an opportunity not only to win medals but also to demonstrate leadership in promoting inclusion and excellence in parasport.
National Pride and Government Reaction
Back home, the news of Nigeria’s triumphs sparked widespread celebration. The Federal Ministry of Sports Development lauded the team for its remarkable achievements. Hon. Bukola Olopade, Director General of the National Sports Commission, described the athletes as “true ambassadors of resilience, courage, and patriotism.”
“What these athletes have done in Cairo reminds us that Nigerian excellence knows no limits,” Olopade said. “Their determination, despite the odds, is what defines the spirit of this great nation.”
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting para-athletes through improved funding, training facilities, and international exposure, ensuring Nigeria remains a dominant force in the sport.
The Legacy of Nigerian Para Powerlifting
Nigeria’s dominance in para powerlifting is no accident. The country’s athletes have consistently been among the world’s best for more than two decades, especially in the women’s divisions. Legendary names like Lucy Ejike, Esther Oyema, and Folashade Oluwafemiayo have all set world records and won Paralympic gold medals for Nigeria.
This legacy has inspired a new generation of lifters like Rita Ferdinand and Esther Nworgu, who are carrying the torch into a new era. Nigeria’s success is built on a combination of raw talent, disciplined coaching, and the nation’s fierce competitive spirit.
Coach Are Feyisetan, the head of the Nigerian team, attributed the team’s success to months of rigorous preparation.
“We trained hard, and we came here ready to show the world what Nigerian powerlifting is about,” he said. “Every medal we win is proof that our system is working.”
Looking Ahead: The Road to Paris 2026
As the championships continue, Nigeria will look to build on its early momentum and possibly top the medals table by the final day. More athletes are expected to compete later in the week in categories where Nigeria has historically performed well.
With the 2026 Paris Paralympic Games fast approaching, these results in Cairo serve as both a confidence booster and a testing ground. The performances are helping Nigeria assess its readiness for another successful Paralympic campaign.
If the early signs are anything to go by, Nigeria is well on its way to reaffirming its reputation as the world’s most dominant nation in para powerlifting.
