By Tony Nezianya
Riyadh, November 14, 2025 – Team Nigeria has made a significant impact so far at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games (Riyadh 2025), currently underway.
The team is standing within the top six on the overall medal table, primarily due to an exceptional performance by their weightlifting team.
As the weightlifting events concluded on Day 9 (November 13, 2025), Nigerian athletes had amassed a remarkable 14 medals, firmly establishing weightlifting as the nation’s “Golden Stronghold” at the Games.
This impressive tally includes 6 gold, five silver, and three bronze medals.
The charge was led by the phenomenal Rafiatu Folashade Lawal, the “Queen of Gold,” who dominated the Women’s 58kg category, securing a clean sweep of three gold medals in the Snatch, Clean & Jerk, and Total events.
Her stellar performance provided the initial momentum for the entire Nigerian contingent.
Sarah Ovayioza Matthew contributed significantly in the Women’s 77kg division, clinching a gold medal in the Snatch (lifting 116kg) and a silver in the Clean & Jerk, resulting in an overall silver medal.
Her efforts were crucial in elevating Nigeria’s standing.
Edidiong Umoafia showcased the strength of the men’s team by securing a gold medal in the Men’s 71kg Snatch, a silver in the Overall Total, and a bronze in the Clean & Jerk, demonstrating a strong male presence in the medal count.
Rising star Islamiyat Adebukola Yusuf added to the golden haul with a crucial gold medal in the Women’s 69kg Snatch event. Ruth Imoleayo Ayodele also demonstrated remarkable resilience in the Women’s 63kg category, earning a silver medal in the Clean & Jerk and two bronze medals in the Snatch and Total, narrowly missing the overall silver.
While weightlifting has been the primary source of medals, Nigeria’s boxing team also contributed to the tally.
Zainab Adeshina Motunrayo secured a silver medal in the Women’s 51kg category, highlighted by a decisive first-round knockout in her quarter-final bout, showcasing promising talent in Nigerian women’s boxing.
With the weightlifting events now complete, Nigeria’s focus shifts to other sports where they have representation, including Athletics, Para-Athletics, Para-Powerlifting, Wrestling, and Taekwondo.
The nation eagerly awaits further successes from its athletes as the Games progress towards the closing ceremony on November 21.
