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Gold Dust: Nigeria Sweeps Medals on Day 1 of Weightlifting

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Nigeria made a powerful statement on Day 1 of the weightlifting events at the 4th African Youth Games in Angola, dominating the competition and winning a total of eight gold medals and one silver. Favour Cornelius led the charge in the 44kg category with an outstanding performance, claiming three gold medals after lifting 50kg in the snatch, 64kg in the clean and jerk, and finishing with a total of 114kg. In the 48kg division, Esther Chidalu Ezenwa delivered another triple-gold display for Nigeria. She recorded 63kg in the snatch, 77kg in the clean and jerk, and posted a combined total of 140kg to top the category. Chinaza Cecelia Ezenwa continued Nigeria’s golden run in the 53kg category, winning two gold medals and one silver. She lifted 65kg in the snatch to claim silver, before responding strongly with gold in the clean and jerk at 83kg and gold in the total with an impressive 148kg. On Day 1 of weightlifting event, Nigeria’s medal haul from stood at eight gold medals and one silve...
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4th African Youth Games: Nigeria’s Abijuwon Furuk Olalekan Storms into Boxing Semi-Final, Weighlifting Starts Thursday:

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PRESS STATEMENT  Nigeria recorded another impressive outing at the 4th African Youth Games as its 50kg boxer, Abijuwon Furuk Olalekan, secured a convincing victory over Salmane Kochubati of Tunisia in the men’s 50kg category. Olalekan dominated the bout with confidence and technical superiority, earning a well-deserved win that has now qualified Nigeria for the semi-finals in the boxing event.  His performance further highlighted Nigeria’s strong presence and competitive edge at the Games. Meanwhile, attention shifts to the weightlifting arena as the weightlifting competition is set to commence tomorrow at Dream Space, with Nigerian athletes expected to be in action. SIGNED: Kola Daniel, S.A, Media, Office of the Director General,  National Sports Commission (NSC). December 17, 2025.
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Location: Luanda, Angola
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4th African Youth Games: Nigeria’s Young Swimmers Set for Showdown, as Final Day Unfolds:

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PRESS STATEMENT  Swimming action will continue on Day 4 of aquatics at the 4th Africa Youth Games at the Piscina do Alvalade pool in Luanda, Angola, with Nigerian athletes set to be on display. Timilehin Olaiya will feature in the final of the boys’ 400 metres individual medley after a strong showing in the earlier rounds. His progression into the final of one of swimming’s most physically demanding events underlines his growing confidence on the continental stage, as he looks to contend for a podium finish. Meanwhile, Aidan Dumuje Abili qualified for the final of the boys’ 100 metres backstroke but will not compete in the race. Team officials confirmed that the decision was a tactical one aimed at managing his overall workload and preserving energy for the 50 metres freestyle event scheduled for Tuesday, where expectations are higher and medal chances remain strong. Aidan earlier in the Games won bronze the 50m boys butterfly with personal best of 25.78.  In the girls’ 100 me...
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Location: Luanda, Angola
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4th African Youth Games: Nigeria Beats Table Tennis Powerhouse Egypt, to Win Mixed Team Gold:

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PRESS STATEMENT Nigeria has claimed a prestigious gold medal in table tennis at the 4th African Youth Games after defeating continental powerhouse Egypt to emerge champions in the mixed team event. The Nigerian mixed team, represented by Matthew Fabunmi and Ojo Favour, delivered a composed and dominant performance in the final, overcoming Egypt by a convincing 2–0 scoreline to secure the gold medal and confirm Nigeria’s growing strength in youth table tennis. Nigeria’s journey to the top of the podium was marked by a series of impressive victories.  The team first defeated Tunisia in the quarters to book a place in the semifinals before producing a spirited display to overcome Algeria in a tense and hard-fought semifinal encounter. The gold medal ceremony added further significance to the achievement, as the Nigerian team was presented with their medals by Engr. Habu Gumel, President of the Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC). This triumph against one of Africa’s traditional table tenn...
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Location: Egypt
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4th African Youth Games: Nigeria Records Another Day of Medal Rush, Signals a Bright Sporting Future:

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PRESS STATEMENT Team Nigeria continues to soar at the ongoing 4th African Youth Games (AYG), delivering outstanding performances across multiple sports and reinforcing the nation’s growing dominance at the youth level. In Beach Volleyball, Nigeria clinched the Gold Medal in emphatic fashion, defeating Egypt 2–0 with convincing set scores of 21–15, 21–17, a testament to the team’s preparation, resilience, and technical excellence. Nigeria’s Badminton contingent also impressed, finishing with a strong medal haul: * **1 Gold Medal (Mixed Doubles)* * **2 Silver Medals** * **3 Bronze Medals** In Golf, Josephine Clement Benjamin capped a fine outing by winning the Bronze Medal for Team Nigeria at the conclusion of the golf events on Sunday, adding yet another podium finish to Nigeria’s growing medal tally. Also, Nigeria recorded another bronze, which came in the 50m Backstroke, as Aidan Dumuje Abili fought to finish on the podium. Meanwhile, in Table Tennis, Nigeria advanced to the Semi-Fina...
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Location: Luanda, Angola
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National Sports Commission Hails Nigeria’s Outstanding Showing at 2025 Africa Youth Chess Championships:

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PRESS STATEMENT  The National Sports Commission has expressed delight over the impressive performance of Nigeria’s youth chess team at the 2025 Africa Youth Chess Championships, held in Harare, Zimbabwe. Nigeria’s contingent, featuring promising young talents such as Deborah Quickpen, Michelle Nwankwo, Jason Nwankwo, Zita Agusionu, Olakitan Elegbede, and Adeola Elegbede, delivered commendable performances while competing against some of the finest young chess players from across the African continent. Competing in various age categories, the Nigerian players demonstrated high levels of tactical intelligence, mental resilience, and exemplary sportsmanship.  The Commission also acknowledged the leadership of Senator Ibrahim Dankwambo, President of the Chess Federation of Nigeria, alongside members of the Federation’s Board, for their sustained commitment to advancing chess development nationwide. Director General of the NSC, Hon. Bukola Olopade stated that “beyond podium finishe...
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Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
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AFRICA YOUTH GAMES ANGOLA 2025: TEAM NIGERIA SUSTAINS NIGERIA'S SWIMMING REVOLUTION:

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- Clement Nwankpa Jr in Luanda  If trends are to be reckoned with, Nigeria seems to be bulldozing her way into a hitherto uncharted territory in sports. Over the years, we have decried the nation's lack of podium appearances in swimming, a multi medal event at major Games.  At the continental level, we had watched nations like Egypt and South Africa feast on medals in water like sharks preying in the sea. These medals ultimately enabled these countries to finish ahead of Nigeria in the overall medals table in most of these events. If Nigeria had not been impressive in Africa, of course little should be expected at the global stage.  The shortcomings in swimming weren't accidental. They were as a result of poor foundations. This is one of the sports that athletes stand better chances of excelling when they start very early. And we had never even been excellent at the junior levels.  Meanwhile, recent events point to a change in the nation's fortunes in swimming. There...
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Location: Luanda, Angola
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