It was gathering of the finest powerlifters in Nigeria on Saturday as the 3 day “All Nigeria powerlifting Championship” organised by the Powerlifting federation of Nigeria in conjuction with Viju milk came to an end.
The final day witnessed the domination by Delta states athletes as they carted home 3 gold medal in the 59, 66 and 74 kg courtesy of the efforts of Tanimowo Rasaq, Oredugba Akinwale and Jubril Abubakar.
Alexander Agboola of the Nigeria Police Force showed that experience can never be bought as he attributed his victory in the 120kg to what he has learnt in his eleven years of participating in the sport.
Oluwaseun Fadesire of Lagos was impressive and made sure Lagos state smiled home with a gold medal as he coasted home to a sweet victory in the +120kg category.
Murtala Mohammed from Kwara State stunned participants and spectators as he lifted a combined weight of 710kg in squart, bench and deadlift to claim gold ahead of closest rival Ota Onuka from Abia state who lifted 640kg while Martins Olawale representing Lagos state settled for bronze after lifting 610kg.
Reacting after his gold medal feat, Alexander Agboola thanked the Nigerian Police for giving him the total support through the provision of a conducive environment to train which contributed immensely to his success.
The only black man to compete at the 2010 World championship in South Africa described this year’s competition as a huge success despite the total neglect from the National Sports Commission.
He concluded by going spiritual as he thanked God that finally the game has been included in the Olympic games which will make its debut in 2016 as he remains upbeat that it will rub off positively on their fortune in Nigeria.
“Thank God, International Olympics Committee has approved the sport for the Olympics, so what we have done today is a selection process for the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
Speaking immediately after the competition, Abdulaziz Alli, president of the Nigeria Powerlifting Federation described it as a huge success which was far beyond the expectation of the federation and a big surprise to them too.
He said with the success recorded, we don’t have to stay and wait for National Sports Commission but hinted that after the event, a report will be written and sent to the apex sports body in Nigeria to plead their case and expressed optimism that “NSC will accept us and key into the vision of this new board.”
He further stated that, “Judging by what I saw throughout the competition, I will rate the athletes very high. Sincerely, I think they are ready to go, as you can see, it’s so competitive as they all came out to give their best and that’s what we were saying and looking for during and after the 3-day tournament.”
He hinted that “Hopefully by April next year, a bigger and better competition will be staged.”
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