This evening, a group of six weightlifters accompanied by two officials will leave Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, heading to Moka, Mauritius, for the 2025 Africa Weightlifting Championship.

The team consists of four female and two male athletes, who are ready to compete across six categories at this premier African weightlifting event.

The female competitors are Didih Onome Omolola in the 55kg category, Lawal Rafiatu Folashade in 59kg, Ayodele Ruth Imoleayo in 64kg, and Matthew Sarah Ovayioza in 76kg. The male athletes include Tuesday Emmanuel in the 67kg category and Umoafia Edidiong Joseph in 73kg.

The championship is scheduled to take place in Moka, Mauritius, from April 20 to April 28, 2025. The team is expected to arrive on Sunday, April 20, with the opening ceremony set for Wednesday, April 23.

Competition will begin on Thursday, featuring Didih Onome Omolola and Lawal Rafiatu Folashade in the morning session for the 55kg and 59kg categories, respectively. Tuesday Emmanuel and Umoafia Edidiong Joseph will compete in the afternoon session, starting at 2 PM Nigeria time.

Nigeria's participation will conclude on Friday, with Ayodele Ruth Imoleayo competing in the 64kg category and Matthew Sarah Ovayioza in the 76kg women's category.

The Nigerian team enters this championship following a successful performance at the 2024 edition held in Egypt, where they secured a total of eleven medals, including six gold and five silver.

The delegation will depart from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at 10 PM tonight, traveling with Kenya Airways. They will have a layover in Kenya before continuing their journey to Mauritius.