Nigeria secured second place at the 2025 World Para Powerlifting Championships. The team won 11 medals in Cairo, Egypt. Only China outperformed them with 15 medals.
The event marked Africa’s first hosting of the championships. It ran from October 12 to 19. Over 300 athletes from 50 nations competed.
Esther Onyeama claimed double gold in the women’s 55kg category. She lifted 125kg for victory. This marked her second world title since 2024.
Rita Ferdinand earned gold in her debut. She lifted 153kg in the up to 79kg event. Ferdinand defeated China’s Miaoyu Han, the Paralympic champion.
Esther Nworgu took silver in the 50kg category. She lifted 120kg. Rukayat Ajiboye followed with bronze in the same event.
Folashade Oluwafemiayo shattered a world record. She lifted 168kg in the 86kg class for gold. This was her fourth world title.
The Nigerian team collected three gold medals overall. They added four silvers and four bronzes. Host Egypt finished third with seven medals.
Iran placed fourth with six medals. Brazil rounded out the top five, also with six. Powerlifting has delivered most medals for Nigeria internationally. The sport boasts more Paralympic successes than any other discipline.
Nigeria’s contingent of 15 lifters showed squad depth. Every competitor who finished earned a medal. This unity drove the overall success.
Chief coach Henry Omeje hailed the team’s grit. “They lift burdens off the mat,” he said.
For Nigeria, this runner-up spot builds momentum. It follows past strong showings, like second in 2019. Powerlifting remains a medal machine.
