The International Weightlifting Federation has confirmed that two Nigerian weightlifters will be participating in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in France.
The duo of Folashade Lawal (59kg) and Joy Ogbonne Eze (71kg) will be flying the country’s flag in the competition according to a statement from the IWF.
According to the final Olympic qualification rankings, Folashade Lawal is currently ranked 8th in the world while Joy Ogbonne Eze is ranked 9th in the women’s 71kg category.
The statement reads: “We are very happy and excited to present the list of excellent athletes for the Olympic Games in Paris. It has been a long but rewarding road for all those trying to qualify and I sincerely congratulate all those lifters involved in this process,”
IWF President, Mohammed Jalood, said. “A special tribute is due to all those that finally secured their place in the Games”.
President of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation, Dr Ibrahim Abdul also confirmed that the two athletes have been in camp for a month preparing for the games.
“On our part as a federation, our two athletes, Folashade Lawal and Joy Ogbonne, who are the only two Weightlifters we have for the Olympics, have been in camp since April 24th,
“The moment they returned from the Africa Games, we didn’t allow them much time. We sent them to camp, at the High Performance Centre, here in Abuja and they have been doing well.
“First and foremost, the Federal Government, through the Minister for Sports, Senator John Enoh has opened general camping for all the athletes who will be participating in the Olympics. We at the Weightlifting Federation want to use this medium to thank the minister for his efforts in starting camping for the athletes.
“The reason we started camping early is because we want to keep them in a competitive mood. You will recall that both of them won three gold medals each at the African Games, so we felt it is important we don’t allow them to lose their competitive spirit.”
Ibrahim Abdul concluded that the coaching crew and the athletes are working hard to ensure Nigeria return from the games with medals.