The National Sports Commission (NSC) celebrates Nigeria’s weightlifting sensation, Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, following her historic performance at the 2025 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in Forde, Norway.
On Saturday, October 4, Lawal etched her name in the history books as the first Nigerian to win three silver medals at the World Championships, competing in the fiercely contested women’s 58kg category.
Lawal lifted 101kg in the snatch and 128kg in the clean and jerk, finishing with a total of 229kg to secure her place as No. 2 in the world. 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 builds on her remarkable record of success, including 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, stated that “Rafiatu Lawal’s performance in Norway is a proud moment for Nigeria and a shining example of what dedication, resilience, and hard work can achieve.”
He added that “Her three silver medals on the world stage not only highlight her consistency since the 2019 African Games but also reflect the hard work and commitment of the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation. We won’t stop pushing and supporting our athletes and federations, as every finish line is the beginning of a new race.”
The Director-General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, also lauded Lawal’s achievement, describing it as “a powerful inspiration to young girls across Nigeria and a reminder that excellence is born from focus and discipline.”
He noted that “Rafiatu has lifted the spirit of our nation, flying our flag high at the World Championships. We have set our eyes on the Olympics and other international competitions — with hard work and consistency, impossible is nothing.”
The NSC further commended the Nigerian Weightlifting Federation for their tireless efforts in nurturing and supporting athletes to achieve global recognition.
Signed
Dr. (Mrs.) Kehinde Ajayi, FCAI, ANIPR
Director, Information and PR
October 5, 2025
