By Victor Okoye
Abuja, Aug. 10, 2025 (NAN) A strong contingent of Nigerian para-powerlifters will depart the country on Monday (tomorrow) in the afternoon, via the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, to compete at the highly anticipated Para-Powerlifting World Cup in Santiago, Chile, slated for August 11–18, 2025.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria will be proudly represented by 10 elite athletes across different weight categories, all poised to assert the nation’s dominance on the global stage.
Leading the charge is world record holder and athletes’ representative Oluwafemiayo Folashade, who will compete in the +86kg category.
The full roster include; Oluwafemiayo Folashade (+86kg), Ajiboye Rukayat (50kg), Ani Chiamaka (73kg), Anigbogu Franca (61kg), Ezuruike Roland (54kg), Ferdinard Rita (79kg), Idris Rilwanu (88kg), Mark Oyinyechi (67kg), Ogundolie Tolulope (45kg), and Oyema Esther (55kg).
The team will be officially led by Afolabi-Oluwayemi Olabisi, Secretary General of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation.
According to the competition schedule, athlete classification will take place on August 13, with the main championship events running from August 15 to 17.
The team is expected to depart Santiago, Chile, on Aug. 18th and arrive the country on Aug. 19th.
Speaking ahead of the departure, athletes’ representative and reigning champion Folashade expressed strong optimism in the athletes’ ability to bring glory to the nation.
“Firstly, I want to thank the Sports Commission and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), especially the President and Secretary General of the Para Powerlifting Federation, for their efforts and support in preparing us for this World Cup.
“Our expectations are very high. We are confident of bringing back gold medals and making Nigeria proud.
“Our aim is for Nigeria to rule the world in powerlifting—and hopefully, to be honoured by Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for our efforts,” she said.
NAN also reports that Nigeria has long been a powerhouse in para-powerlifting and will be hoping to extend its legacy of excellence in Santiago, building on past triumphs and inspiring a new generation of athletes.(NAN)
