A strong contingent of Nigerian para-powerlifters is set to depart for Santiago, Chile, on Monday to compete in the highly anticipated Para-Powerlifting World Cup.
The tournament, scheduled from August 11 to August 18, will see Nigeria represented by 10 athletes across various weight categories, all determined to showcase the nation’s dominance on the global stage.
Leading the team is world record holder and athletes’ representative, Oluwafemiayo Folashade, who will compete in the +86kg category.
The full roster includes:
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Oluwafemiayo Folashade (+86kg)
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Ajiboye Rukayat (50kg)
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Ani Chiamaka (73kg)
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Anigbogu Franca (61kg)
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Ezuruike Roland (54kg)
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Ferdinard Rita (79kg)
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Idris Rilwanu (88kg)
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Mark Oyinyechi (67kg)
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Ogundolie Tolulope (45kg)
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Oyema Esther (55kg)
The team will be led by Afolabi-Oluwayemi Olabisi, Secretary-General of the Nigeria Para Powerlifting Federation.
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According to the competition schedule, athlete classification will take place on August 13, with the main events running from August 15 to 17. The team is expected to depart Santiago on August 18 and return to Nigeria on August 19.
Speaking ahead of the departure, Folashade expressed great optimism about the team’s prospects.
“Firstly, I want to thank the Sports Commission and the Paralympic Committee of Nigeria (PCN), particularly the President and Secretary-General of the Para Powerlifting Federation, for their efforts and support in preparing us for this World Cup,” she said.
“Our expectations are high. We are confident we’ll bring home gold medals and make Nigeria proud. Our goal is for Nigeria to dominate the world of powerliftingand hopefully, to be honored by President Bola Tinubu for our achievements.”
Nigeria has long been a dominant force in para-powerlifting, and the team hopes to continue that tradition, building on past victories and inspiring the next generation of athletes.
