Nigeria’s powerhouse para-lifter, Folashade Oluwafemiayo, has once again proven that limits exist only to be broken. The 40-year-old champion lifted an astonishing 168kg in the women’s 86kg category to set a new World Record and claim gold at the 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships in Cairo, Egypt.
Oluwafemiayo’s historic lift surpassed her previous world record of 167kg, set at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, reaffirming her dominance in the sport. Competing against some of the world’s strongest women, she started confidently with 155kg, then raised the bar to 160kg, followed by 165kg, before sealing her victory with the record-breaking 168kg lift — the heaviest ever recorded in her weight class.
The Nigerian athlete’s performance not only secured her fourth World Championship title but also underscored her consistency, resilience, and technical mastery over the years. China’s Zhu Wenjun claimed silver with a lift of 157kg, while Iran’s Nikoo Rozbahani took bronze after managing 152kg.
Legacy of Strength and Excellence
This latest victory adds to Oluwafemiayo’s impressive collection of accolades, which includes two Paralympic gold medals and multiple world records. Her journey has been one of grit, faith, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Speaking after her win, the ever-humble champion said,
“I feel on top of the world. I feel great and happy to be able to use my strength. After Paris 2024, I rested well, resumed training, and worked hard for five months before coming here. I will keep training to make my country and family proud.”
When asked about the secret behind Nigeria’s continued dominance in para powerlifting, she smiled and added with a touch of humor,
“The secret is prayers, support from family and friends — and Kasaba!”
Read: Rafiatu Lawal Wins 3 Medals at World Weightlifting Championship
Nigeria’s Strong Showing in Cairo
Oluwafemiayo’s world record wasn’t Nigeria’s only highlight in Cairo. The nation’s female lifters delivered a powerful statement on the global stage, collecting multiple podium finishes across categories.
In the 61kg category, Ifeoluwa Alake and Franca Anigbogu claimed silver and bronze, respectively, behind Egypt’s Rehab Ahmed, who lifted 131kg to take gold. In the 67kg class, Onyinyechi Mark also made the podium with a silver medal, finishing behind China’s Cui Jianjin.
These collective performances reinforced Nigeria’s reputation as a global powerhouse in para powerlifting, a status earned through years of discipline, investment, and dedication from both athletes and the federation.
Champion Spirit, National Pride
Oluwafemiayo’s continued dominance represents more than just personal triumph — it’s a story of national pride and resilience. As she lifted that record-setting 168kg barbell in Cairo, she didn’t just make history again; she lifted the hopes of millions of Nigerians who see her as a symbol of strength, perseverance, and possibility.
Her story — from humble beginnings to becoming a four-time world champion and double Paralympic gold medallist — embodies the spirit of Nigerian excellence on the world stage.
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