Nigeria’s weightlifting star Rafiatu Folashade Lawal has once again lifted the nation’s spirit — and some serious weight — after winning three silver medals at the 2025 International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) World Championships in Forde, Norway.
Competing in the women’s 58kg category, Lawal delivered an outstanding performance that not only earned her a place on the podium but also made history as the first Nigerian lifter to win three silver medals at the World Championships.
A Power-Packed Performance
Lawal, who has been a beacon of consistency for Nigeria since her gold-winning debut at the 2019 African Games in Rabat, proved once again that she belongs among the world’s best.
In Norway, she lifted 101kg in the Snatch and 128kg in the Clean and Jerk, finishing with a total of 229kg — enough to secure her spot as the world’s No. 2. The gold went to Kim Il-Gyong of North Korea, who broke a world record with a total of 236kg, while Olympic champion Kuo Hsing-Chun of Chinese Taipei took bronze with 224kg.
Despite narrowly missing the top spot, Lawal’s result stands as Nigeria’s best-ever performance in World Championship history — surpassing the previous record of Ruth Ayodele, who won two silvers and one bronze in 2023.
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Three Silvers, One Big Moment
Here’s how the medals stacked up for Lawal in Forde:
- Snatch: 101kg
- Clean & Jerk: 128kg
- Total: 229kg
Each lift was a testament to her strength, composure, and determination under pressure. In a sport where a few kilos make all the difference, Lawal showed class and calm — earning the respect of both her rivals and the global weightlifting community.
A Trailblazer for Nigerian Sports
This latest feat adds to Lawal’s growing legacy as one of Nigeria’s most decorated weightlifters.She’s a Commonwealth Games champion (Birmingham 2022), African Games gold medallist (Rabat 2019 and Accra 2023), and a Paris 2024 Olympian, where she finished a credible fifth.Her journey has been defined by grit, discipline, and a quiet confidence that continues to inspire young athletes across the continent.
Nigeria’s sporting community erupted in celebration as news of Lawal’s silver sweep broke. National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman, Shehu Dikko, praised her effort, describing it as a “proud moment for Nigeria and a reflection of what dedication can achieve.”
“Her three silver medals highlight her consistency since 2019 and the hard work of the Nigeria Weightlifting Federation. Every finish line is the beginning of a new race,” Dikko said.
Similarly, NSC Director General, Bukola Olopade, lauded Lawal’s performance, saying her success was “a source of national inspiration that has lifted the spirit of the entire nation.”The Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF) also joined in the celebrations. Its president, Ibrahim Aladi, called Lawal “a symbol of focus, resilience, and excellence,” while urging corporate bodies to invest more in athlete development.
“Rafiatu has proven that Nigerian weightlifters can stand tall on the world stage. Her performance in Norway shows what’s possible when hard work meets opportunity,” Aladi said.
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Eyes on the Future
With her latest triumph, Lawal has once again lifted Nigeria’s profile in global weightlifting. As the country looks ahead to the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the 2028 Olympics, the 29-year-old remains a shining example of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity.
For now, though, it’s time for celebration — and maybe a well-earned rest. Three silver medals, one incredible weekend, and one proud nation saying:“Well done, Rafiatu — you lifted us all!”
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