The president of Nigeria Weightlifting Federation (NWF), Dr. Ibrahim Abdul has revealed five factors that helped the country’s contingent excel at the recent African Senior Weightlifting Championship in Ismailia, Egypt, Sports247 reports.

While reflecting on the historic outing, Abdul praised the lifters for their courage and determination, then noted the impact played by proper preparation, adequate welfare and support by all stakeholders.

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Abdul also thanked top shots of National Sports Commission (NSC) for their support and pointed out that the nation’s lifters confirmed that the country remains a strong force on the continent.

The NWF boss noted the role played by NSC’s chairman, Mallam Dikko as well as the director-general, Honourable Bukola Olopade, who visited their camp during the competition.

He also acknowledged that proper preparations and adequate motivation also helped the contingent excel at the championship, where the women’s team placed first wirh a totat of 12 gold medals.

He further described the feat as a strong indication that Nigerian sports can attain greater heights with proper preparation, unflinching support and adequate motivation of the country’s athletes.

His verdict came after Nigeria’s contingent of 10 lifters got one of the country’s most impressive outings on the continental stage, winning a total of 29 medals – 14 gold, 13 silver and two bronze – during the championship.

Abdul further added that the performance was due to total commitment, discipline and fighting spirit displayed by the lifters throughout the competition.

He posited extensively, “This performance is a clear statement that Nigeria remains a major force in African weightlifting. Our athletes showed courage, determination and excellence against the best on the continent.

“The results from Egypt prove that with adequate preparations, proper welfare and continuous encouragement from stakeholders, Nigerian sports can compete favourably anywhere in the world. The future of weightlifting and indeed Nigerian sports is very bright.”

The Returning Officer for the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly Primary Election in Mikang Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Auwal Hamza, has officially declared Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil winner of the party’s primary election for the Mikang State Constituency.

Announcing the results shortly after the conclusion of the exercise, Hon. Hamza stated that Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil, having satisfied all constitutional requirements and guidelines governing the conduct of the election, was duly returned as the APC flag bearer for the forthcoming House of Assembly election.
According to the results announced by the Returning Officer, Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil polled a total of 5,606 votes to defeat his closest rival, Tindi Nkat, who secured 1,201 votes.

Hon. Hamza commended party stakeholders, delegates, and supporters for their peaceful conduct, unity, and political maturity throughout the exercise, describing the primary election as transparent, credible, and successful.

He further appreciated officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as well as various security agencies, for their professionalism and commitment in ensuring a peaceful and orderly electoral process.

The APC primary election in Mikang was conducted under tight security and witnessed massive participation by party faithful across the constituency, with supporters celebrating the emergence of Rt. Hon. Naanlong Daniel Gapyil as the party’s candidate.