After being relegated to third place by South Africa, Nigeria rebounded with one gold, three silver, and one bronze medal in Thursday’s competition, bringing their total to 60.
Team Nigeria is back in second place on the medals table at the ongoing African Games in Ghana, after winning five additional medals on Thursday.
Algeria is closing up on Nigeria in third place, with 22 gold, 28 silver, and 36 bronze medals.
South Africa, which was second in the standings 24 hours ago, has plummeted to fourth place, still with 22 gold, 23 silver, and 33 bronze medals.
Egypt, on the other hand, is on a roll, having won 128 medals (72 gold, 29 silver, and 27 bronze).
Things are still not looking good for the hosts, Ghana, who have slid further to 16th.
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Osijo Taiwo was Team Nigeria’s standout performer on Thursday.
She won a gold medal in the Clean & Jerk with a lift of 128kg, while she finished second in the snatch with a lift of 103kg, trailing Fatma Mahmoud Sadek Ahmed (Egypt) who lifted 104kg.
She received another silver medal in the total lift with 231kg, despite finishing with the same total lift as Egyptian weightlifter Sadek Ahmed, who won another gold.
Osijo commended her instructor for instructing her to complete all six attempts without failing.
She also thanked Nigeria Wrestling Federation President Ibrahim Abdul for everything he did to prepare the weightlifters for the African Games.
“I’m excited and delighted. My coach always stated my six attempts were very essential, and I made all six,” Osijo told the NWF media team.
“I am thankful to God…”Winning the gold medal was not simple. I enjoy weightlifting. It is my passion. I want to thank my coach for motivating and encouraging me. I also like to congratulate the NWF President, Dr. Abdul Ibrahim, his team, and the Sports Ministry.
With athletics and other sports remaining on the schedule, many expect Team Nigeria to win more gold in Ghana.